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New recruits Manie Libbok and Werner Kok will start for the Sharks against the Lions in Durban on Friday, while JP Pietersen has been named on the wing.
The Sharks will host the Lions in Durban in the opening game of the South African national tournament, Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked, at 7pm.
Two new signings for the Sharks, Libbok and Kok, will make their first official starts after playing for the team on Super Fan Saturday a couple of weeks ago.
READ ALSO: Four players to debut in the Lions
Both players start in the last three, with Libbok playing fullback, while Kok starts on the left wing, while veteran Pietersen returns to the starting lineup on the right wing.
Aphelele Fassi, Madosh Tambwe and Sbu Nkosi remain offside due to injury.
There are some changes to the team that descended to the Vodacom Bulls in the preseason meeting, with Marius Louw replacing Jeremy Ward in midfield.
Among forwards, James Venter has recovered from the concussion that kept him out of the Bulls loss and starts alongside former Junior Springbok captain Phendulani Buthelezi in the loose trio.
Another Junior Springbok, hooker Dylan Richardson, retains his spot in the XV run-on after a solid outing against the Bulls.
OPTA STATS & FACTS: Sharks vs Lions
There are three possible Sharks rookies on the bench. Dan Jooste, who recently moved from Western Province, forward Celimpilo Gumede and wing / fullback Thaakir Abrahams will make their first official appearances if they enter the field.
Sharks – 15 Manie Libbok, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Lukhanyo Am (c), 12 Marius Louw, 11 Werner Kok, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Sanele Nohamba, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Phendulani Buthelezi, 6 James Venter, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Dylan Richardson, 1 Ox Nche.
Subs: 16 Dan Jooste, 17 Mzamo Majola, 18 John-Hubert Meyer, 19 JJ van der Mescht, 20 Celimpilo Gumede, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Jeremy Ward, 23 Thaakir Abrahams.
Photo: Steve Haag / Gallo Images
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