Siya Kolisi will lead the Sharks in Lukhanyo Am’s absence when they face Welsh side Scarlets in a Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash in Durban on Friday evening.

Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has made just three changes to his team, with Jeremy Ward coming in for Am at outside centre.

Am recently signed a long-term contract extension with the Sharks but, as part of the new deal, was granted a short stint in Japan with Kobe Steelers.

Although losing the captain is a big blow, it is offset by the leadership role handed to Springbok captain Kolisi.

The other two changes come in the pack where Reniel Hugo replaces Ruben van Heerden in the second row and eighthmen Sikhumbuzo Notshe and Phepsi Buthelezi switch positions this week.

“It’s a huge boost having Siya as captain, although it doesn’t really change much because he’s been playing a leadership role since he arrived at the Sharks,” explained fellow Springbok Sbu Nkosi.

“He’s been very positive and very involved, and I don’t think it will be a major shift for us because he’s been bringing that same energy all the time. The only thing that changes now is that he has the authority that comes with the title of captain.”

ALSO READ: Everitt confident Sharks can cope without Am

Sharks – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Jeremy Ward, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Henco Venter, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Reniel Hugo, 4 Gerbrandt Grobler, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Subs: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Khutha Mchunu, 19 Le Roux Roets, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Tito Bonilla, 23 Werner Kok.

Photo: Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix