TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has made four changes to his starting XV for their crucial Super Rugby clash against the Stormers in Cape Town.

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In the pack, Jacques Vermeulen replaces the injured Jean-Luc du Preez in the back row.

In the second change to the pack, Juan Schoeman comes in for Tendai Mtawarira who, with his heavy workload in June for the Springboks and Sharks, gets a break, but will play off the bench.

Scrumhalves Louis Schreuder and Cameron Wright rotate, while wing Sibusiso Nkosi returns after pulling out of the Lions match at the last minute.

Lwazi Mvovo retains a starting position on the other wing, with Makazole Mapimpi dropping out of the matchday 23.

The Sharks need to win to have any chance of making the play-offs.

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Sharks: 15 Curwin Bosch, 14 Sibusiso Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Louis Schreuder, 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Jacques Vermeulen, 6 Philip van der Walt, 5 Ruan Botha (captain), 4 Tyler Paul, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Armand van der Merwe, 1 Juan Schoeman.

Replacements: 16 Mahlatse Ralepelle, 17 Tendai Mtawarira, 18 John-Hubert Meyer, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Wian Vosloo, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Marius Louw, 23 Jacobus van Wyk.

Date: Saturday, July 7

Venue: Newlands Stadium, Cape Town

Kick-off: 17.15 (15.15 GMT)

Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)

Assistant referees: Stephan Geldenhuys (South Africa), Archie Sehlako (South Africa)

TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa)

PV: 1021