Sharks load up on Springbok muscle

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Thomas du Toit will lead an experienced Sharks side against a strong Ulster team who will visit Kings Park for Saturday's United Rugby Championship showdown.

Both Ulster and the Sharks have an enviable record in this year's competition and currently occupy positions two and four respectively on the standings, although the Durban side have a game in hand over their illustrious opponents.

With the Springboks enjoying limited time with their URC franchises, the Sharks coaching team has had a delicate balancing act reintegrating these senior players back into the team.

Some of the returning Springboks played off the bench in last week's victory over Glasgow Warriors, following their return from the Rugby Championship campaign.

However, this week the coaching team has had no hesitation in starting prop Retshegofaditswe Nché, hooker Mbongeni Mbonambi, Springbok captain and flank Siyamthanda Kolisi and wing Makazole Mapimpi for this crucial home game.

Nche comes in for Ntuthuko Mchunu, while Mbonambi swaps jerseys with Kerron van Vuuren.

Kolisi takes over from Dylan Richardson amongst the changes in the forwards.

Mapimpi replaces Anthony Volmink in the final change to last week's starting line-up.

Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Marnus Potgieter, 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Boeta Chamberlain, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phendulani Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siyamthanda Kolisi, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit (captain), 2 Mbongeni Mbonambi, 1 Retshegofaditswe Nché.

Replacements: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Carlu Sadie, 19 Reniel Hugo, 20 James Venter, 21 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 22 Cameron Wright, 23 Anthony Volmink.

Date: Saturday, October 22

Venue: Kings Park, Durban

Kick-off: 18.15 (17.15 Ireland time; 16.15 GMT)

Referee: Sam Grove-White

Assistant referees: Cwengile Jadezweni, Griffin Colby

TMO: Ben Blain