The Sharks have been boosted by the return of Springbok centre Lukhanyo Am for their first home game of the season against Connacht on Saturday.
Am is the only player amongst the Springboks who has been released to return to action for the Sharks as the Durban side face their third Irish opponent in five weeks.
The Springbok starts at outside centre, with Francois Venter retaining the captaincy and shifting to inside centre.
The only other change to the backline sees the return of Curwin Bosch to flyhalf, after he recovered from concussion.
There is one further change to the pack, where Sikhumbuzo Notshe replaces George Cronje, who has joined a packed medical ward after picking up an injury on tour.
The injury-hit Sharks are still looking for their first win of the season, having lost all four of their tour games, and reeling from a historic defeat to minnows Zebre in Parma.
Sharks – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Francois Venter (c), 11 Aphiwe Dyantyi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Cameron Wright, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Phepsi Buthelezi, 6 James Venter, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Dylan Richardson, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Subs: 16 Dan Jooste, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Jeandre Labuschagne, 20 Tinotenda Mavesere, 21 Zee Mkhabela, 22 Boeta Chamberlain, 23 Rohan Janse van Rensburg.
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images