Sharks recall fit-again Springbok duo

Sharks boss Neil Powell has picked Springboks Curwin Bosch and Aphelele Fassi to start in their final Champions Cup pool game against Harlequins in London on Saturday.

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Powell — the Sharks director of rugby — has had his hand forced as far as injuries go, with Bongi Mbonambi and Boeta Chamberlain, both leaving the field last week after taking knocks and neither available for this weekend.

In their place, Powell selected Kerron van Vuuren and Fassi who is now regained full fitness after a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to injury.

Bosch is also back in the run-on XV for Lionel Cronje after the flyhalf was a late withdrawal from the Bordeaux game after pulling up short during the week and not healing in time.

The final change to the backline sees Thaakir Abrahams slot in on the wing for Makazole Mapimpi who was ruled out of the next two Sharks games due to suspension.

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Up front, Powell’s rotation policy sees Phepsi Buthelezi and Sikhumbuzo Notshe swap the No 8 jerseys with the former coming into the starting lineup and the latter reverting to the bench.

Harlequins came from behind in the first round match at Kings Park in December to threaten what would have been a rare away win in the tournament, but were denied by the in-form Sharks, who now look to upset the applecart in London.

Although the Sharks have already qualified for the round of 16 courtesy of their three straight victories, a win will guarantee them a home clash in the next round.

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SHARKS TEAM FOR FINAL CHAMPIONS CUP POOL FIXTURE:

Sharks — 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Marnus Potgieter, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Thaakir Abrahams, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Ox Nche.
Subs: 16 Dan Jooste, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Carlu Sadie, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Lionel Cronje, 23 Francois Venter.