Siya Kolisi captains Sharks in URC derby against Stormers

The forward trio of hooker Dylan Richardson, lock Emile van Heerden and eighthman Siya Kolisi have all been passed fit after withdrawing from the match late last week, the Bok skipper leads the Sharks this weekend.

In other changes, Ethan Hooker shifts from centre to wing to accommodate the absence of Makazole Mapimpi, with the highly-rated, exciting Jurenzo Julius getting a start after wearing the number 23 jersey last week.

"For us, this week was about getting a few bodies back for this match," explained head coach John Plumtree.

"We had eight forwards out from the pack against the Bulls but the nice thing about coming back from England and getting a win against them is that the boys will go into this game with a bit of confidence.

"Going down to Cape Town and beating the Stormers isn't an easy task, but we're looking forward to it."

Missing so many players last week proved to be a major challenge, but the role and contribution of senior team members must never be underestimated. Once again, they will be called upon to provide guidance and motivation.

"The leaders are doing a good job, demanding standards and even when the chips are down, someone has to step up, and they do," Plumtree concluded.

Sharks - 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Siya Kolisi (c), 7 Emmanuel Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Dylan Richardson, 1 Ox Nche.

Replacements: 16 Francois Venter, 17 Bryce Calvert, 18 Ruan Dreyer, 19 Trevor Nyakane, 20 Corne Rahl, 21 Nicholas Hatton, 22 Bradley Davids, 23 Siya Masuku.

READ MORE: Sharks coach confirms Kolisi's late withdrawal against Bulls was injury-related