Sharks reshuffled without missing Boks
Cell C Sharks director of rugby Gary Gold has had to reshuffle his side for their crunch Super Rugby clash with the Lions as a number of his big name players are side-lined with injury.
With Pat Lambie still suffering concussion symptoms and Willie le Roux serving a one week ban, Gold has picked Garth April at flyhalf and the highly-experienced Odwa Ndungane at fullback for the clash.
The rest of the backline maintains continuity from before the June Test break. Andre Esterhuizen and Paul Jordaan form the pillars in the midfield, while Springbok wing JP Pietersen and Lwazi Mvovo start on the wings.
In Lambie's absence, Beast Mtawarira captains the side. He is joined in the front row by Franco Marais and Lourens Adriaanse. The familiar second row of Etienne Oosthuizen and Stephan Lewies provide stability while Gold has selected Keegan Daniel, Jean-Luc du Preez and Philip van der Walt - making up a formidable loose trio.
Pukke star Rhyno Smith provides backline off the bench. Springboks Chiliboy Ralepelle and Coenie Oosthuizen will add some serious firepower as reserves, while Ruan Botha will play his first Super Rugby match for the Sharks if he comes off the bench.
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