Sharks make changes for must-win Currie Cup tie against Lions

Sharks XV coach Mike Vowles has altered his team for Friday night’s Currie Cup meeting with the Lions at Woodburn Stadium in Pietermaritzburg. The seventh-placed Sharks must win the penultimate-round fixture to retain their slim hopes of reaching the semi-finals.

The Lions enter the match in fifth position, two places above the Sharks on the log. That makes the contest important for both teams, with the Sharks needing the result to remain in contention for a place in the last four.

Rambo Kubheka starts at loosehead prop after rotating with Jaco du Toit, who moves to the replacements. Simphiwe Ngobese comes into the tighthead position in place of Lee-Marvin Mazibuko. Deon Slabbert also returns at lock, taking the No 5 jersey.

The loose trio has been reorganised around Slabbert’s return. Meno Barnard moves to blindside flank, Jean-Henri Smit joins the starting pack on the other flank and Tino Mavesere takes over at No 8. Johan Momsen remains at the other lock position, while Liam van Wyk starts at hooker.

There is only one alteration behind the scrum. Janco Purchase is named at inside centre, with Albie Bester dropping to the bench. Ross Braude captains a backline that also includes halfback Tim Swiel, outside centre Lyle Matthews, wings Christie Grobbelaar and Khuthi Rasivhaga, and fullback Luan Giliomee.

Jacques Marais, Jaco du Toit, Dian Heunis, Danio Botha, Wasi Vyambwera, Juan Loots, Siya Masuku and Bester make up the Sharks’ substitutes. The starting front row is Kubheka, van Wyk and Ngobese, with Slabbert and Momsen behind them and Mavesere, Barnard and Smit completing the pack.