Overview
- The URC derby is set for Saturday, January 3 at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban, with kick-off at 15:30 local time.
- JP Pietersen made three changes to the Sharks' starting XV, recalling Springboks Ox Nche at loosehead and Aphelele Fassi at fullback and starting Manu Tshituka at No. 8.
- Corne Rahl and Siya Masuku return to the Sharks bench, while Phepsi Buthelezi and Phatu Ganyane shift to the replacements.
- The Lions face selection doubts as Reinhard Nothnagel and Eduan Keyter remain under concussion protocols and Darrien Landsberg nurses a knee injury.
- Lions assistant coach Ricardo Loubscher confirmed flanker Bathobele Hlekani has completed his move from the Sharks and said U20 scrumhalf Haashim Pead is in line for more opportunities.