Lukhanyo Am leads Sharks in Challenge Cup knockout battle agains Zebre

Lukhanyo Am leads a vastly experienced Sharks side for this encounter against the visiting Italians hoping to use the confidence gained from their recent winning form in the URC to take them all the way in the EPCR.

Head coach John Plumtree has largely stuck with the team that defeated Edinburgh last Saturday, as he welcomes back Vincent Koch starts after the Springbok prop was forced to pull out of the last game with a stomach bug. Sadly, Eben Etzebeth sustained a rib injury and isn't available for the match.

There are returns for Ethan Hooker and Werner Kok to the starting line-up, while Gerbrandt Grobler and Grant Williams both return to the matchday 23.

Plumtree admits that the Sharks' taking a winning feeling into this game following back-to-back URC victories is a real positive for the team.

"That's a big thing for us, confidence is something you can't underestimate in sport. We're working hard, the leaders are keeping everyone grounded and we know what this game means to us."

This match is not just a knock-out, but the performance offers the opportunity for redemption too.

"We know we've let a lot of people down this season and we want to win them back," the coach adds.

"The only way we can do that is on the field and that's what we're trying to do. This is a big game and if we do well, we earn the right to play another one."

Sunday's match kicks off at 4pm.

Sharks - 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Lukhanyo Am (c), 12 Ethan Hooker, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche
Replacements - 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Gebrandt Grobler, 20 Jeandre Labuschagne, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Curwin Bosch, 23 Francois Venter

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