Siya Kolisi will return to the starting lineup as Sean Everitt has made just three changes to the Sharks team to face the Lions in a Vodacom United Rugby Championship match in Durban on Saturday.

Reniel Hugo returns to the starting lineup with Le Roux Roets shifting to the bench while Springbok captain Kolisi also gets a start for James Venter, who led the Currie Cup side to victory over Griquas on Wednesday evening.

Thomas du Toit retains the captaincy after leading the Sharks last weekend.

In the final change to the pack, Henco Venter comes in for Jeandre Labushagne who will feature off the bench later in the game.

The backline is unchanged from the side that defeated the Dragons 51-3 in Durban.

With eight wins and 41 points from their 14 matches to date, the Sharks are firmly entrenched in the top eight on the log, 11 ahead of the Lions who currently occupy 12th spot.

“Last week’s win over the Dragons was a really good platform for us to build on and now it’s about us building momentum,” explained Everitt.

“The log is really important at the moment and a win this week will be big for us because the other two local franchises are also playing each other and we’re fighting in the SA Shield competition.”

Old Bok back for another dip in Shark Tank

Sharks – 15 Anthony Volmink, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Ben Tapuai, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Henco Venter, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Reniel Hugo, 4 Gerbrandt Grobler, 3 Thomas du Toit (c), 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Subs: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Khuta Mchunu, 19 Le Roux Roets, 20 Jeandre Labuschagne, 21 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Boeta Chamberlain.

Photo: Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix