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The Sharks will not be counting on injured captain Lukhanyo Am for their showdown with the Cheetahs in Durban on Friday.
Am has suffered a hand injury, which is expected to put him out of action for about four weeks.
In the absence of Springbok center, Henco Venter will take the captain’s armband on a team with just a couple of injury-forced trades, as coach Sean Everitt looks for continuity.
The good news is that Sikhumbuzo Notshe has been cleared after suffering a hamstring strain against the Vodacom Bulls. Notshe has been named to a bench featuring a six-to-two split between front and rear, as Everitt anticipates a hotly contested forward physical battle against the Cheetahs.
Am’s place in midfield is taken by Jeremy Ward in the first of two baseline changes.
Meanwhile, Yaw Penxe will make his first start for the Sharks after coming off the bench against Pumas and Bulls. Penxe replaces another Springbok in Sbu Nkosi, who has detected a minor problem and has not been considered for selection.
In the only other game-day roster change, Werner Kok returns after resting against the Pumas, taking Penxe’s place among the substitutes.
Sharks – 15 Manie Libbok, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Jeremy Ward, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Madosh Tambwe, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Sanele Nohamba, 8 Phendulani Buthelezi, 7 Henco Venter (c), 6 Dylan Richardson 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 JJ van der Mescht, 3 John Hubert-Meyer, 2 Dan Jooste, 1 Ox Nche.
Subs: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Mzamo Majola, 18 Michael Kumbirai, 19 Ruben van Heerden, 20 Thembelani Bholi, 21 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Werner Kok.
Photo: Gerhard Duraan / BackpagePix
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