Durban - The Sharks squad to play in this year’s Super Rugby tournament shows no great surprises with two players drafted in from outside, a couple of new faces that have been in the system and the familiar faces we all know.

According to Sharks website editor Michael Marnewick, a settled squad is exactly what the Sharks present this year, with Franco van der Merwe and Butch James having represented the Lions previously - although James spent the bulk of his career with The Sharks as the only newcomers.

Allan Dell has shown good early form and has been in the system for some time, so it is a natural progression for this youngster who can play on either side of the front row. He is joined by another youngster, Pieter-Steph du Toit, who represented The Sharks last year before a season-ending injury. Du Toit was part of the victorious SA Under-20 side that won the IRB Junior World Championships and will serve the Sharks at lock and loose forward.

Kyle Cooper, Monde Hadebe, Paul Jordaan, Jandre Marais, Peet Marais, Tera Mtembu, Cobus Reinach, Sibusiso Sithole, Riaan Viljoen and Tim Whitehead may not be established stars, but they have been in the system for a season or two and now boast valuable experience for the Sharks.

The squad is rounded off by all the old familiar faces: world champions, Springboks and crowd favourites, all focused on delivering a great season ahead.

The Sharks open their campaign against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday. Kick-off is at 17:05.

Sharks 2013 squad

Willem Alberts
Meyer Bosman
Jacques Botes
Anton Bresler
Craig Burden
Dale Chadwick
Marcell Coetzee
Kyle Cooper
Keegan Daniel
Allan Dell
Jean Deysel
Bismarck du Plessis
Jannie du Plessis
Pieter-Steph du Toit
Monde Hadebe
Wiehahn Herbst
Butch James
Paul Jordaan
Ryan Kankowski
Pat Lambie
Louis Ludik
Jandre Marais
Peet Marais
Charl McLeod
Tendai Mtawarira
Lubabalo Mtembu
Lwazi Mvovo
Odwa Ndungane
JP Pietersen
Cobus Reinach
Sibusiso Sithole
Francois Steyn
Franco van der Merwe
Riaan Viljoen
Tim Whitehead