Ruan Pienaar will make his first appearance for the Sharks in 11 years in their opening Vodacom United Rugby Championship match against Munster on Saturday.
Sharks head coach Sean Everitt has stuck with the same pack of forwards that lined up against the Vodacom Bulls in the Currie Cup final, but has made a couple of changes to the backline.
Pienaar, on loan from Cheetahs, marks his return to the Sharks starting lineup after an 11-year absence from the team where his senior career began.
The veteran scrumhalf is paired with youngster Boeta Chamberlain in a new-look halfback combination, while Curwin Bosch is at fullback.
Everitt has opted for a six-two split between forwards and backs on the bench, as Hyron Andrews and Ruben van Heerden both return from their respective injuries.
Sanele Nohamba and Jeremy Ward will provide cover for the backline.
Sharks:
- Khwezi Mona
- Kerron van Vuuren
- Thomas du Toit (v-c)
- Le Roux Roets
- Gerbrandt Grobler
- Dylan Richardson
- Henco Venter
- Phepsi Buthelezi (c)
- Ruan Pienaar
- Boeta Chamberlain
- Thaakir Abrahams
- Marius Louw
- Werner Kok
- Yaw Penxe
- Curwin Bosch
Replacements:
- Fez Mbatha
- Ntuthuko Mchunu
- Khutha Mchunu
- Hyron Andrews
- Ruben van Heerden
- Mpilo Gumede
- Sanele Nohamba
- Jeremy Ward
Photo: Steve Haag / Gallo Images
