Sharks 'refresh' their pack

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks coach Sean Everitt made five changes to his team for their United Rugby Championship Round 15 outing against the Dragons at Kings Park on Friday.

Everitt freshened up the pack, with four of the changes to the forwards.

Everitt has given some of his hard-working forwards a respite, although their valued performances of late mean they have been included in the matchday 23 - providing serious options off the bench.

In the second row, Le Roux Roets gets a start in Reniel Hugo's place, while there is an all-new back row.

James Venter comes in for Siyamthanda Kolisi, Jeandre Labuschagne is in for Henco Venter and Phepsi Buthelezi comes in for Sikhumbuzo Notshe.

Jaden Hendrikse replaces Grant Williams is the only change to a backline.

With Siya Kolisi playing off the bench, tighthead prop Thomas du Toit is handed the captaincy.

Sharks: 15 Anthony Volmink, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Ben Tapuai, 12 Jeremy Ward, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Jeandre Labuschagne, 6 James Venter, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Le Roux Roets, 3 Thomas du Toit (captain), 2 Mbongeni Mbonambi, 1 Retshegofaditswe Nche.

Replacements: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Khutha Mchunu, 19 Reniel Hugo, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Siyamtahnda Kolisi, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Boeta Chamberlain.

Date: Friday, April 1

Venue: Kings Park, Durban

Kick-off: 19.30 (18.30 Ireland & UK time; 17.30 GMT)

Referee: Ben Blain (Scotland)

Assistant referees: Cwengile Jadezweni (South Africa), Morné Ferreira (South Africa)

TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)