Loose forward James Venter will captain the Sharks in Saturday’s Currie Cup clash against his former side the Lions in Johannesburg.

Venter, who joined the Sharks from the Lions in 2020, takes over the captaincy as head coach Etienne Fynn has made a handful of changes to the team that claimed a win against Western Province in round two of the Currie Cup.

Eighthman Sikhumbuzo Notshe, flyhalf Curwin Bosch and centre Marius Louw have all been called up to the Vodacom United Rugby Championship squad, opening up opportunities in the starting lineup.

Thembelani Bholi replaces Notshe in the back row, while Boeta Chamberlain starts at flyhalf and Murray Koster takes Louw’s place at centre, forming the midfield partnership with Jeremy Ward.

Another change to the backline sees Yaw Penxe shift from the wing to fullback, Werner Kok starts on the wing and Inny Radebe drops to the bench.

Young Bradley Davids, a 2021 SA Under 20 player, getting a call-up into the senior ranks and will play off the bench.

Sharks – 15 Yaw Penxe, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Jeremy Ward, 12 Murray Koster, 11 Marnus Potgieter, 10 Boeta Chamberlain, 9 Cameron Wright, 8 Mpilo Gumede, 7 Thembelani Bholi, 6 James Venter (c), 5 Reniel Hugo, 4 Le Roux Roets, 3 Khutha Mchunu, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Khwezi Mona.
Subs: 16 Dan Jooste, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Wiehahn Herbst, 19 Emile van Heerden, 20 OJ Noa, 21 Sanele Nohamba, 22 Inny Radebe, 23 Bradley Davids.

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images