Overview
- Interim coach JP Pietersen restored Ox Nché and Aphelele Fassi to the Sharks XV, with Manu Tshituka also starting and Corné Rahl and Siya Masuku returning on the bench.
- The United Rugby Championship Round Nine derby kicks off at 15:30 local on Saturday, January 3, at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.
- Lions assistant Ricardo Loubscher said Reinhard Nothnagel and Eduan Keyter remain in concussion protocols, with lock Darrien Landsberg also an injury doubt for Durban.
- Loubscher confirmed flanker Bathobele Hlekani’s switch from the Sharks to the Lions and indicated Junior Bok scrumhalf Haashim Pead is in line for more opportunities.
- The Sharks arrive on a two-match winning run after a poor start that left them 13th, while the Lions have dropped three straight but lead the SA Shield by a slim margin.