Coach Rob du Preez has made three changes to the Sharks' starting lineup to face the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.

In the only change to the backline, Garth April comes in at fullback ahead of Clement Poitrenaud.

In the pack, Dan du Preez starts at No 8, with captain Teru Mtembu shifting to flank in place of Jacques Vermeulen, who drops to the bench.

Thomas du Toit gets the nod at loosehead prop in the absence of Tendai Mtawarira, who was not considered for selection due to a family death.

Sharks – 15 Garth April, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 André Esterhuizen, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Tera Mtembu (c), 5 Ruan Botha, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1 Thomas du Toit.

Subs: 16 Franco Marais, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 Lourens Adriaanse, 19 Stephan Lewies, 20 Jacques Vermeulen, 21 Michael Claassens, 22 Inny Radebe, 23 Jeremy Ward.

Super Rugby teams (Round 6)

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