Sharks release team to face Leinster in URC top of the table clash

Leinster arrive in Durban off the back of a last-gasp loss to the Bulls in Pretoria last week and the table-topping Irish giants will look to leave South African shores on a positive note.

Meanwhile, the Sharks are unbeaten at home this URC campaign and will be eager to send the visitors back to Ireland winless to continue their home-ground aura.

Sharks head coach John Plumtree has largely stuck with last week's side, making two personnel changes and two positional switches for this key game.

James Venter and Andre Esterhuizen will both wear starting jerseys after featuring off the bench last week, Venter replaces Phepsi Buthelezi, while Esterhuizen is part of a rejig of the backline which sees Ethan Hooker switch from centre to wing as Yaw Penxe takes over from the injured Henry Immelman at fullback.

Sharks - 15 Yaw Penxe, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Siya Kolisi (c), 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche

Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Ruan Dreyer, 19 Corne' Rahl, 20 Manu Tshituka, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Francois Venter

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