TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks coach JP Pietersen has revealed his team to face Griquas in their Currie Cup Round Four encounter in Kimberley on Friday.
Pietersen has stuck with his young blood for the match, and this time he will be handing Junior Springbok heavyweight Bathobele Hlekani his first start this season.
The 20-year-old will be playing in his familiar role at flank, although he made his debut for the Sharks last year at lock.
Other changes in the pack see Bryce Calvert returning at hooker for Jacques Marais.
Deon Slabbert comes in for Corne Rahl at lock, and Matt Romao shifts into Tino Mavesere’s position.
SA Under-20 star Ceano Everson replaces Bradley Davids at scrumhalf in the first of the backline changes.
Fans will also get to see Paschal Ekeji on the wing.
The Lesotho-born player of Nigerian descent, who was part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway program, previously represented the Maties in the Varsity Cup.
He is back from his stint in the USA and will take over from Yaw Penxe
The final change sees SA Sevens star, Commonwealth gold and Olympic bronze medallist Christie Grobbelaar replacing Phikolomzi ‘PK’ Sobahle on the other wing.
Sharks: 15 Jaco Williams, 14 Christie Grobbelaar, 13 Diego Apollis, 12 Marnus Potgieter, 11 Paschal Ekeji, 10 Vusi Moyo, 9 Ceano Everson, 8 Nicholas Hatton (captain), 7 Bathobele Hlekani, 6 Matt Romao, 5 Deon Slabbert, 4 Gideon Koegelenberg, 3 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 2 Bryce Calvert, 1 Phatu Ganyane.
Replacements: 16 Willem van den Hever, 17 Simphiwe Ngobese, 18 Phiwayinkosi Kubheka, 19 Coetzee Le Roux, 20 Jannes Potgieter, 21 Tiaan Fourie, 22 Jean Smith, 23 Hakeem Kunene.
Date: Friday, August 15
Venue: Griqua Park, Kimberley
Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00)
Referee: Griffin Colby
Assistant referees: Sean Muller, Daniel Canhenga
TMO: Cwengile Jadezweni