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Kankowski handed Sharks start

Cape Town - The Sharks return to Kings Park for the first time since mid-April where they host the Melbourne Rebels in the Australian team’s second South African Super Rugby fixture on Friday.

Kick-off is at 19:10.

According to Sharks website editor Michael Marnewick, the Rebels are still seeking their first success on SA soil, although they have recorded some particularly good results this season, including a first round away win over the Crusaders in Christchurch as well as the high-riding Brumbies and Chiefs.

Rebels co-captain Scott Higginbotham admits that it’s not going to be easy but they will use their record as motivation: "South Africa is a tough place to win so getting a win over there is a great achievement for any rugby side,” he said. For the Sharks, there is plenty of motivation, not least of all to deliver a performance the fans appreciate and enjoy. Especially as it will be at home.

Ryan Kankowski makes a welcome return to action and slots in at No 8 while Willem Alberts is subject to a late fitness test.

Teams:

Sharks

15. Lwazi Mvovo, 14. Odwa Ndungane, 13. JP Pietersen, 12. Andre Esterhuizen, 11. S’bura Sithole, 10. Lionel Cronje, 9. Stefan Ungerer, 8. Ryan Kankowski, 7. Willem Alberts / Etienne Oosthuizen, 6. Renaldo Bothma, 5. Marco Wentzel (captain), 4. Mouritz Botha, 3. Jannie du Plessis, 2. Bismarck du Plessis, 1. Tendai Mtawarira

Substitutes: 16. Franco Marais, 17. Matt Stevens, 18. Lourens Adriaanse, 19. Lubabalo Mtyanda, 20. Etienne Oosthuizen / Khaya Majola, 21. Conrad Hoffmann, 22. Fred Zeilinga, 23. Heimar Williams

Rebels

TBA

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