The Sharks have named a largely second-string team to face Russia in their penultimate warm-up match in Durban on Friday.
As in their match against NWU last week, a composite team made up of juniors mixed with a few more recognisable faces will take on Russia at the Kings Park B field.
The team will be coached by Sharks U21 coach Mike Vowles.
Russia are aiming to bounce back from their big loss to a strong Sharks team last week after going down 64-14 and expected to give this younger team a good test.
The Sharks front row does boast plenty of experience with veteran hooker Craig Burden packing down next to loosehead prop Juan Schoeman and tighthead Kutha Mchunu.
Promising youngsters Evan Roos and Celimpilo Gumede are in the loose trio and will have SA U20 captain Phepsi Buthelezi guiding them through the game.
New signing Jordan Chait starts at flyhalf, forming the halfback pairing with Cameron Wright.
Sharks XV – 15 Thaakir Abrahams, 14 Mtungwa Mapantsela, 13 DJ Falconer, 12 Murray Koster, 11 Ayanda Kunene, 10 Jordan Chait, 9 Cameron Wright, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Celimpilo Gumede, 6 Evan Roos, 5 Jordan Sesink-Clee, 4 Lunga Ncube, 3 Kutha Mchunu, 2 Craig Burden, 1 Juan Schoeman.
Subs: 16 Cullen van der Merwe, 17 Bundisa Ndlovu, 18 Michael Kumbirai, 19 Jandre Labuschagne, 20 Andisa Ntsila, 21 Kwanda Dimaza, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Jaden Hendrikse, 24 Le Roux Malan, 25 Rynhardt Jonker, 26 Lwandile Menze.
Photo: Photo: Steve Haag Sport/Hollywoodbets
