Sharks load up on front row firepower for URC clash against Edinburgh

Head coach John Plumtree has made five changes to his team, beginning with the powerful front row of Ox Nche in place of Ntuthuko Mchunu and Vincent Koch getting his first start after making his debut last week, with Bongi Mbonambi completing an all-Springbok front row.

Tighthead prop Vincent Koch explained in the build-up to the match that while they've looked at their opposition and worked on a plan for the game, their focus has really been on themselves.

"Edinburgh have a completely different team this week to the one that played the Stormers where they rested a number of their Scottish internationals," he points out.

"Although we've analysed them, we looked at ourselves first and how we as a team can get better. We want to deliver the best performance we can, for the full 80 minutes.

"It's going to be tough, especially upfront, they have loads of international players and we know it's not going to be easy, especially after their defeat to the Stormers. They'll be disappointed with that result and will want to rectify that against us."

In other changes, Emile van Heerden replaces Gerbrandt Grobler in the second row while James Venter makes his return and Phepsi Buthelezi shifts to No 8 in place of George Cronje who suffered a disappointing injury last week.

In the only change in the backline, Werner Kok replaces the injured Eduan Keyter on the wing.

Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Lukhanyo Am (captain), 12 Francois Venter, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.

Replacements: 16 Dan Jooste, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Jeandre Labuschagne, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Curwin Bosch, 23 Ethan Hooker.

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