This Saturday, rugby fans are in for an exciting clash in the United Rugby Championship derby between the Sharks and Lions at Kings Park.

Both teams have made key changes to their starting lineups, with the Sharks benefiting from the return of several key Springboks.

Let’s dive into the teams and what to expect from this highly anticipated match.

Sharks Boosted by Springboks Ahead of the Big Match

The Sharks have been handed a major boost with the inclusion of five Springboks in their starting lineup.

Centre Francois Venter, scrumhalf Grant Williams, flank Siya Kolisi, and props Vincent Koch and Ox Nche all make their return to the run-on XV.

Their inclusion means that the Sharks now boast 11 Springboks in their match-day squad for this important derby.

The Springbok presence should give the Sharks the edge as they prepare for what is expected to be a fierce battle.

With a strong, experienced squad, the Sharks are looking to continue their excellent form and make a statement in front of their home crowd.

Lions Make Strategic Changes for the Derby

On the other side, the Lions have opted for a more modest representation of Springboks, with just two capped players in their lineup.

Wing Edwill van der Merwe and scrumhalf Morne van den Berg are the only two Springboks named to start for the Lions.

However, the team has made several changes, particularly in their loose forwards and backline, which could surprise the Sharks.

Loose forwards Ruan Venter and JC Pretorius, along with centre Henco van Wyk, wing Rabz Maxwane, and fullback Quan Horn, have all been included in the Lions’ starting XV.

These changes show the Lions are gearing up for a competitive match, aiming to take the fight to the Sharks with their own blend of skill and speed.

Full Lineups for Both Teams

Sharks

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

Bench

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

Lions

15 Tapiwa Mafura
14 Richard Kriel
13 Manuel Rass
12 Marius Louw
11 Edwill van der Merwe
10 Gianni Lombard
9 Morne van den Berg
8 Francke Horn (c)
7 Siba Qoma
6 Jarod Cairns
5 Darrien Landsberg
4 Ruben Schoeman
3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye
2 PJ Botha
1 Juan Schoeman

Bench

16 Franco Marais
17 Morgan Naude
18 Conraad van Vuuren
19 Ruan Delport
20 Izan Esterhuizen
21 Nico Steyn
22 WJ Steenkamp
23 Rynhardt Jonker