Coach JP Pietersen has made several changes to the Sharks team for Saturday’s Currie Cup clash against the Cheetahs at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Clermont.

The Sharks are coming off a humiliating 64-0 defeat to the Vodacom Bulls at Loftus, having also lost their opener 46-3 to the Lions at Ellis Park.

While continuing to back promising youngsters, Pietersen has added experience to his backline for this must-win fixture.

In the pack, Jacques Marais starts at hooker in place of Bryce Calvert, Gideon Koegelenberg replaces Deon Slabbert in the second row, and Junior Bok Matt Romao comes in for Jannes Potgieter at blindside flank.

Junior Boks flyhalf Vusi Moyo gets his first start, taking over from Jean Smith, while Pietersen has opted for more experience around the 19-year-old, bringing in wing Yaw Penxe, inside centre Marnus Potgieter and outside centre Diego Appollis, with Jaco Williams shifting to fullback.

SHARKS – 15 Jaco Williams, 14 Phiko Sobahle, 13 Diego Appollis, 12 Marnus Potgieter, 11 Yaw Penxe, 10 Vusi Moyo, 9 Bradley Davids, 8 Nick Hatton (c), 7 Matt Ramao, 6 Tino Mavesere, 5 Corne Rahl, 4 Gideon Koegelenberg, 3 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 2 Jacques Marais, 1 Phatu Ganyane.
Bench: 16 Willem van den Hever, 17 Simphiwe Ngobese, 18 Dian Heunis, 19 Coetzee Le Roux, 20 Jannes Potgieter, 21 Ceano Everson, 22 Jean Smith, 23 Albie Bester.

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Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images