Lukhanyo Am to lead seasoned Sharks in URC clash against Scarlets

Lukhanyo Am will lead a vastly experienced, Springbok-laden Sharks side for the team's United Rugby Championship Round 15 clash with Scarlets on Friday evening.

After a week's break, head coach John Plumtree has brought back many of his experienced players for this clash in Wales, looking for their leadership and ability to deliver a winning performance.

Phepsi Buthelezi, selected at flank this week, warns that they have plenty to respect as they go into this match against the Welsh.

"They're a bit of a mixed bag, really good forwards, guys who have been around for a long time, they have a really good kicking game and they're a well-coached team."

Scarlets are two log points behind the Hollywoodbets Sharks but will relish the opportunity to have a go at the Durban side.

"They've been unlucky a few times this season with the results and they'll  want to get one over us, so it's going to be a good challenge."

Although much is being made of the Hollywoodbets' historic EPCR Challenge Cup semi-final next weekend, Buthelezi is quite clear where the team's attention is.

"Our focus is 100% on the Scarlets and what happens next week will be dealt with next week. In camp right now our only focus is to go out and perform really well against Scarlets.

"The focus now is on executing our processes and game plan. We want to better our performances in the URC because some of the results we got early in the season weren't good enough and not up to our standard."

Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Lukhanyo Am (captain), 12 Ethan Hooker, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Vincent Tshituka, 7 Lappies Labuschagne, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Ox Nche

Replacements: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Gerbrandt Grobler, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Boeta Chamberlain, 23 Francois Venter

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