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Durban - Veteran Andre Pretorius replaces young Pat Lambie in the Sharks starting lineup.
Pretorius’ inclusion is one of several changes to the Sharks’ team from last weekend, with Andries Strauss and Riaan Swanepoel forming a new midfield pairing in the absence of the injured Stefan Terblanche.
With the captain out with an arm injury, Keegan Daniel takes over the leadership reins and also moves to No 8, with Ryan Kankowski bracketed on the bench pending the outcome of his disciplinary hearing.
Jacque Botes returns to the starting line-up at flank, while former Lions lock Gerhard Mostert makes his long-awaited return to action in place of Alistair Hargreaves.
Mostert has been sidelined since the early stages of the Super 14 this year when he picked up a serious shoulder injury.
There are also changes up front, with Springbok tighthead prop Jannie du Plessis also returning from injury, while in-form Eugene van Staden shifts to loosehead prop in place of Patric Cilliers.
A win for the Sharks will guarantee them home ground advantage in their semi-final.
The Sharks:
15 Louis Ludik, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Andries Strauss, 12 Riaan Swanepoel, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Andre Pretorius, 9 Charl McLeod, 8 Keegan Daniel (captain), 7 Willem Alberts, 6 Jacques Botes, 5 Gerhard Mostert, 4 Steven Sykes, 3 Jannie Du Plessis, 2 Craig Burden,1 Eugene van Staden.
Replacements:Kyle Cooper, Patric Cilliers, Anton Bresler/Michael Rhodes, Michael Rhodes/Ryan Kankowski, Rory Kockott, Patrick Lambi and Luzuko Vulindlu.
