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Alberts returns to haunt Lions

Durban - Willem Alberts will play his first Super 14 game at No 8 for the Sharks when they face the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday, while lock Johann Muller returns to the second row after missing the last two games with a finger injury.

Kick-off is at 17:05.

With the loss of Ryan Kankowski to injury, Alberts has been moved to his more familiar position at the back of the scrum for this grudge match against his former team.

Alberts was at the centre of a player tug-of-war between the Lions and Sharks during the pre-season before eventually being released to join the coastal franchise after they won a court battle on the eve of their opening Super 14 game.

The imposing No 8 will join Jean Deysel and Jacques Botes in a still impressive looking loose-trio, while Muller return to partner Steven Sykes in the second row.

Alistair Hargreaves, having battled a bit this week with a leg injury, is replaced by Muller, but will occupy a spot on the bench where there is also further second row cover in the form of Wilhelm Steenkamp.

The front row combination of John Smit at loosehead prop alongside the Du Plessis brothers has remained unchanged, while the backline remains the same as that which fronted up against the Reds in the last game.

Teams:

Lions:
TBA

Sharks:
15. Patrick Lambie, 14. Odwa Ndungane, 13. Stefan Terblanche, 12. Riaan Swanepoel, 11. JP Pietersen, 10. Andy Goode, 9. Ruan Pienaar, 8. Willem Alberts, 7. Jean Deysel, 6. Jacques Botes, 5. Johann Muller, 4. Steven Sykes, 3. Jannie du Plessis, 2. Bismarck du Plessis, 1. John Smit (captain)

Substitutes: 16. Craig Burden, 17. Tendai Mtawarira, 18. Wilhelm Steenkamp, 19. Alistair Hargreaves, 20. Rory Kockott, 21. Andries Strauss, 22. Lwazi Mvovo

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