Sharks bolster pack

The Sharks have made three changes to their forward pack ahead of the visit from the Golden Lions on Friday.

Coach Brad Macleod-Henderson has seen his side boosted by a number of players returning from injury. The evergreen Jacques Botes returns to the starting lineup in place of Khaya Majola after missing the victory over the EP Kings with a shoulder injury.

In the second row, Stephan Lewies has overcome his recent knee problems to reclaim the No 4 jersey from JC Astle, who drops to the bench.

Meanwhile, Dale Chadwick makes way for Thomas du Toit, who has recovered from a toe injury to add some bulk to the Sharks front row. Hooker Kyle Cooper's participation remains in doubt and he has been bracketed with Monde Hadebe.

Matt Stevens and Fred Zeilinga have been passed fit and will make their return to Currie Cup action from the bench.

Sharks – 15 SP Marais, 14 S'bura Sithole, 13 Paul Jordaan, 12 André Esterhuizen, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Lionel Cronjé, 9 Cameron Wright, 8 Tera Mtembu (c), 7 Etienne Oosthuizen, 6 Jacques Botes, 5 Marco Wentzel, 4 Stephan Lewies, 3 Lourens Adriaanse, 2 Kyle Cooper/Monde Hadebe, 1 Thomas du Toit.
Subs: 16 Monde Hadebe/Franco Marais, 17 Dale Chadwick, 18 Matt Stevens, 19 JC Astle, 20 Khaya Majola, 21 Conrad Hoffmann, 22 Fred Zeilinga.

Currie Cup teams (Round 9)

Photo: Sabelo Mngoma/BackpagePix