Sharks welcome back several Boks as they look to turn URC corner

The Sharks are welcoming back a number of returning Springboks for their United Rugby Championship clash against Ospreys at Kings Park on Friday evening.

Ospreys come into this match under pressure, having won just once in their eight league matches to date, and arrive in Durban off the back of four losses and a draw from their last five fixtures.

The Sharks haven't been doing too great themselves but will be looking for a big boost from their returning Springboks who have brought plenty of spirit and morale back from Europe following their outstanding 27-13 victory over England on the weekend.

After returning from Rugby Championship duty earlier in the year, the Boks helped the Sharks produce an emphatic message of intent, and they are expected to have the same impact following the Autumn Rugby Internationals.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and second rower Eben Etzebeth have both carried a heavy load for the national team and haven't been included, but Sharks Director of Rugby Neil Powell has named Ox Nche and Bongi Mbonambi in the front row, while Jaden Hendrikse and Curwin Bosch, back from the Boks and injury respectively, form an exciting halfback pairing.

Makazole Mapimpi has also returned to the club and has been named on the wing.

In other changes, Vincent Tshituka moves from flank to lock with Sikhumbuzo Noshe, Jeandre Labuschagne and Phepsi Buthelezi forming a formidable back row. Buthelezi will captain the side.

Ben Tapuai is back in the starting line-up and the Australian international will partner Francois Venter - himself an international - in the midfield, with Boeta Chamberlain slotting in at fullback.

Sharks: 15 Henry Chamberlain, 14 Marnus Potgieter, 13 Francois Venter, 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phendulani Buthelezi (captain), 7 Jeandre Labuschagne, 6 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Vincent Tshituka, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Mbongeni Mbonambi, 1 Retshegofaditswe Nche.Replacements: 16 Dan Jooste, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Khutha Mchunu, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 James Venter, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Nevaldo Fleurs, 23 Rohan Janse van Rensburg.

Date: Friday, December 2Venue: Kings Park, DurbanKick-off: 19:10Referee: Eoghan Cross (Ireland)Assistant referees: Stephan Geldenhuys (South Africa), Griffin Colby (South Africa)TMO: Sam Grove-White (Scotland)