Etzebeth, Hendrikse and Mapimpi back in Sharks side to face Dragons

The trio of Boks join Lukhanyo Am who takes on the captaincy duties after making his return last week, while their national team-mates Ox Nche and Grant Williams will add more star firepower off the bench.

"We've been celebrating the achievements of the Sharks players returning from the Rugby World Cup with them and they've brought a huge amount of energy with them which has been great for us as a collective," said Sharks attack coach Dave Williams.

"Having these players back and the confidence they bring has been contagious and the rest of the group are all excited for Saturday's game."

In other team news, Fez Mbatha returns to action, taking over from Dylan Richardson at hooker after the Kearsney College old boy had to have surgery on his thumb, putting him out of action for approximately eight weeks.

Although the results haven't gone the way of the Sharks this United Rugby Championship campaign, there's no reason to overthink things. But everyone involved does understand the need to turn things around.

"We have a long-term plan, but the immediate focus is around getting excited about finishing opportunities that we're creating and maximising those rewards.

"We've spoken as a group around evolving our game and building pressure with the ball and through our transition game. We're seeking rewards and the focus is on getting those conversions on the back of good rugby.

"Working for a franchise like this, you embrace the pressure of expectation. In terms of this being a must-win, we go out every game to deliver a performance that wins rugby games, and that's no different this week."

Sharks: 15. Aphelele Fassi, 14. Werner Kok, 13. Lukhanyo Am (C), 12. Francois Venter, 11. Makazole Mapimpi, 10. Curwin Bosch, 9. Jaden Hendrikse, 8. Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7. Phepsi Buthelezi, 6. James Venter, 5. Emile van Heerden, 4. Eben Etzebeth, 3. Coenie Oosthuizen, 2. Fez Mbatha, 1. Ntuthuko Mchunu

Replacements: 16. Daniel Jooste, 17. Ox Nche, 18. Hanro Jacobs, 19. Corne Rahl, 20. Jeandre Labuschagne, 21. Grant Williams, 22. Boeta Chamberlain, 23. Rohan Janse van Rensburg

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