Sharks roll out the big guns for Challenge Cup semifinal

The Sharks face ASM Clermont Auvergne on Saturday in their quest to reach the final of the EPCR Challenge Cup when the two meet in the semifinal at the Twickenham Stoop in London.

Head coach John Plumtree has selected a powerful side to take on the French giants, one that has the right blend of Springbok talent and tried and tested Sharks stalwarts, with a smattering of youthful exuberance to round off a settled, composed and ambitious side.

Captain Lukhanyo Am admits that his team is ready and excited for the challenge that lies ahead, confident in the way they've gone about readying themselves for this knock-out game.

"In games like this, it's about getting the best prep and we've done a great deal to put ourselves in this position and once you're in the changeroom, it's about having confidence in the prep you've done," he explained from the team's base in London.

"This game is a big one for us and everyone is hyped and excited to be playing in a semi against a quality side like Clermont."

Am called the two sets of protagonists 'like-for-like', suggesting that both sides employ a similar outlook as well as game management.

"We back our set-piece against a good Clermont set-piece and they do mix it up between forwards and backs, which is the same with us. So it's definitely going to be an exciting game," added Am.

"With all the prep we've done, I think we're ready."

Sharks - 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Lukhanyo Am (c), 12 Ethan Hooker, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Grant Williams, 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 Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Gerbrandt Grobler, 20 Jeandre Labuschagne, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Boeta Chamberlain, 23 Francois Venter

READ MORE: Lukhanyo Am and the Sharks eager to turn season around on European stage