The Sharks have loaded their team for Friday’s Currie Cup second round clash against the Suzuki Griquas in Kimberley with five Springboks.

The Sharks, who lost 26-25 to the Lions in Durban last week have named Ntuthuko Mchunu, Trevor Nyakane, André Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi and Aphelele Fassi in their starting XV.

In addition, Phepsi Buthelezi, who was in the Springboks camp for the Ireland series also was named in the run-on team.

For Esterhuizen and Nyakane it will be the duo’s first game for the Sharks after joining the team from the Harlequins and Racing 92 respectively. Esterhuizen previously played for the Sharks before heading to England.

André Esterhuizen - Morgan Piek

The Sharks coach, JP Pietersen, told OFM Sport that tomorrow’s game will be very important for both teams.

“It’s a must win for both teams, but I think if you look at it before you start the Currie Cup campaign every game is a must win,” said the former Springbok winger.

“We do back ourselves to go to the Griquas in Kimberley and get the results we want.

“But obviously, the Griquas are a very confident team and they want to make things right at home.

“I think it's going to be a great game where two teams are really literally going for it, and hopefully we'll have a good game for the fans.”

Friday afternoon’s game at the Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley kicks off at 15:00.

Griquas - 15 Cameron Hufke, 14 Marcqiewn Titus, 13 Sango Xamlashe, 12 Mnombo Zwelendaba, 11 Sako Makata, 10 Lubabalo Dobela, 9 Thomas Bursey, 8 Hanru Sirgel, 7 Marco de Witt, 6 Stephan Smit (captain), 5 Albert Liebenberg, 4 Athenkosi Khetani, 3 Janu Botha, 2 Janco Uys, 1 Leon Lyons

Replacements - 16 Gustav du Rand, 17 Eddie Davids, 18 Cebo Dlamini, 19 Dylan Sjoblom, 20 Derik Pretorius, 21 Carl Els, 22 Bobby Alexander, 23 Zinedine Robinson

Sharks - 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Muller du Plessis, 12 André Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Lionel Cronje, 9 Bradley Davids, 8 Nick Hatton (captain), 7 Phepsi Buthelezi, 6 Tino Mavesere, 5 Reniel Hugo, 4 Coetzee le Roux, 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Dan Jooste, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu

Replacements - 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Abraham Reyneke, 18 Khwezi Mona, 19 Reinier Viljoen, 20 Jannes Potgieter, 21 Tiaan Fourie, 22 Murray Koster, 23 Eduan Keyter

Morgan Piek OFM Sport