The Sharks recall five of their Rugby Championship-winning South Africa internationals for Saturday's United Rugby Championship game against Ulster in Durban (15:00 BST).
The Sharks have recalled five of their Rugby Championship-winning South Africa internationals for Saturday's game against Ulster in Durban (15:00 BST).
World Cup winners Ox Nche, Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi all return to the Sharks pack to join international team-mates Bongi Mbonambi and Vincent Koch, who featured against Leinster in Dublin last week, for the United Rugby Championship encounter at Kings Park.
Springboks scrum-half Grant Williams and inside centre Andre Esterhuizen return to a backline which boasts a Test-level back three of Makazole Mapimpi, Ethan Hooker and Edwill van der Merwe.
Hendrikse brothers Jaden and Jordan and Lukhanyo Am are named among the replacements.
Wing Hooker, 22, says the Sharks are excited for their first home game of the season after defeats by Leinster and Glasgow and a draw with the Dragons on their European tour.
"I want to make my home team proud, the vibe is pretty good being back and you get that sense of a home feeling," said Hooker.
"We're all keen and looking forward to going out on Saturday and performing for our fans. They can look forward to this week's game as much as we are.
"We've trained really hard, exciting things are coming and we hope to see a full stadium coming out in support and watching a really good game of rugby."
Ulster, who have started the season with back-to-back wins, name their team on Friday.
Sharks: E van der Merwe; E Hooker, J Julius, A Esterhuizen, M Mapimpi; S Masuku, G Williams; O Nche, B Mbonambi, V Koch, E Etzebeth, M Orie, S Kolisi, V Tshituka (capt), P Buthelezi.
Replacements: F Mbatha, S Matanzima, R Dreyer, B Hlekani, E Tshituka, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, L Am.
Category: General Sports
