Sharks bring out all the big guns for New Year's eve clash

The Sharks have selected a star-studded line-up for what should be a thrilling New Year's Eve URC derby against the Bulls at Kings Park.

Both teams have enjoyed a good run of form of late, although the Bulls came up short against the Stormers in last weekend's round of local derbies which saw them drop from second to fourth spot on the URC log.

Still, that loss aside, the Bulls continue to offer a real test against every opponent they face.

The Sharks are enjoying a rich vein of form, having won their last four games across the URC and the Heineken Champions Cup and will go into this game with plenty of momentum and confidence, knowing they have the team and the ability to deliver performances that produce the results.

Following last week's emphatic 37-10 victory over the Lions, the Sharks team named by Director of Rugby Neil Powell sees the return of some of the team's big names.

Managing the heavy workload of his Springboks has been a delicate balancing act, but this week they are back in action, testament to the threat posed by the visiting Bulls.

Changes from last week's side see Ox Nche and Bongi Mbonambi back to partner Thomas du Toit in an all-Springbok front row, while Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi return to start the game, with Kolisi leading the side into battle.

Henco Venter and Sikhumbuzo Notshe complete the back row.

Marnus Potgieter is in for the injured Werner Kok, this being the only change to last week's backline as Powell looks to maintain continuity amongst the backs.

Meanwhile, the Bulls have added three new faces to the match-day 23 from a week ago.

Simphiwe 'power-pack' Matanzima will start at loose-head prop supported by Johan Grobbelaar and Mornay Smith in the front row, whilst the second and back row remains the same as the one that did duty the week before.

At the back, Bernard van der Linde slots in at scrumhalf with Embrose Papier moving to the impact squad, as Chris Smith starts at flyhalf. Springbok duo, Johan Goosen and Kurt-Lee Arendse will run out at left wing and full-back respectively.

Springbok speedster Canan Moodie will start at right wing with Harold Vorster and Cornal Hendricks pairing up at inside and outside centre respectively.

Hooker Jan-Hendrik Wessels and utility back David Kriel complete the list of new faces in the match-day 23.

Saturday's match kicks off at 4.45pm.

Sharks: 15 Boeta Chamberlain, 14 Marnus Potgieter, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Henco Venter, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Mbongeni Mbonambi, 1 Retshegofaditswe Nché.

Replacements: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Carlu Sadie, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Phendulani Buthelezi, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Lionel Cronje, 23 Yaw Penxe.

Bulls: 15 Johan Goosen, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Cornal Hendricks, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Bernard van der Linde, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Cyle Brink, 6 Marco Van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje (c), 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Simphiwe Matanzima.

Replacements: 16. Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17. Gerhard Steenekamp, 18. Sebastian Lombard, 19. Janko Swanepoel, 20. Nizaam Carr, 21. Embrose Papier, 22. Lionel Mapoe, 23. David Kriel.

Date: Saturday, December 31

Venue: Kings Park, Durban

Kick-off: 16.45 (14.45 GMT)

Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen

Assistant referees: AJ Jacobs, Cwengile Jadezweni

TMO: Quinton Immelman