Sport | Ox, Kolisi back in starting XV as Sharks ring changes for return clash against Lions at Kings Park

Sharks prop Ox Nche. (Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images)

Sharks coach John Plumtree rang the changes for Saturday’s URC derby against the Lions at Kings Park in Durban.

The Sharks were thumped 38-14 by the Lions at Ellis Park last weekend, prompting their mentor to make amendments to his line-up.

Springbok loosehead prop Ox Nche is fit again and starts in place of Ntuthuko Mchunu, while Vincent Koch moves up from the bench to start at tighthead prop in place of Ruan Dreyer. Bongi Mbonambi retains the No 2 jersey to form a potent all-Springbok front row.

In the second row, Emile van Heerden returns from injury to take Deon Slabbert’s place.

In the loose trio, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi moves up from the bench to start at No 8 with Phepsi Buthelezi moving to No 6 in place of Tino Mavesere, while Lappies Labuschagne comes in for the injured Vincent Tshituka at No 7.

Kolisi will wear the captain’s armband.

In the backline, Springboks Grant Williams and Jordan Hendrikse form the halfback partnership, replacing Jaden Hendrikse and Siya Masuku.

In midfield, Francois Venter replaces the injured Lukhanyo Am.

There is a Sharks debutant at fullback, with Henry Immelman taking the No 15 jersey that was worn by Jordan Hendrikse last weekend. Immelman, 29, is on loan from the Bulls, having previously represented Montpellier in France and Edinburgh in Scotland.

Saturday’s clash kicks off at 14:00.

Sharks team:

15 Henry Immelman, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Francois Venter,
11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Siya Kolisi (captain), 7
Lappies Labuschagne, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason
Jenkins, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche

Substitutes: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Corne
Rahl, 20 James Venter, 21 Nick Hatton, 22 Jaden Hendrikse, 23 Hakeem
Kunene