An overhauled Sharks pack features Dylan Richardson on the flank for the Currie Cup clash against the unbeaten Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Sharks Currie Cup head coach Etienne Fynn has made six changes to the pack that went down 20-10 against the Pumas last week. Khwezi Mona, Fez Mbatha and Lourens Adriaanse replace the starting front row of Dian Bleuler, Kerron van Vuuren and Wiehahn Herbst, while Emile van Heerden takes over from lock Ruben van Heerden and flanker Dylan Richardson and No 8 Mpilo Gumede replace James Venter and Sikhumbuzo Notshe respectively.

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There is just one change to the backline, where centre Ethan Fisher makes way for Murray Koster.

With three rounds of the tournament remaining – including this week’s action – five sides remain in contention for the play-offs, with the Sharks currently lying in third place on the log, but knowing there can be no slip-ups as fourth-placed Griquas are only three points behind and the Pumas, with a game in hand, a further two points adrift in fifth place.

Bouncing back from last week’s loss at Kings Park will be the primary focus for the Sharks, but the men from Bloem have been in imperious form this season, with the Currie Cup being their sole focus. The Cheetahs have not tasted defeat in this year’s competition and with a game in hand over the log leading Vodacom Bulls, will be going all out to secure top spot and home ground advantage in the knock-outs.

Sharks – 15 Nevaldo Fleurs, 14 Marnus Potgieter, 13 Jeremy Ward (c), 12 Murray Koster, 11 Anthony Volminck, 10 Boeta Chamberlain, 9 Cameron Wright, 8 Mpilo Gumede, 7 Thembelani Bholi, 6 Dylan Richardson, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Emile van Heerden, 3 Lourens Adriaanse, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Khwezi Mona.
Subs: 16 Dan Jooste, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Blaine Golden, 19 Le Roux Roets, 20 Nick Hatton, 21 Mthokozisi Mkhabela, 22 Tito Bonilla, 23 Ethan Fisher.

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images