The former Maties player was one of six Griffons to leave the Northern Free State union after their Currie Cup First Division triumph last month. Van den Hever is an abrasive hooker with a knack for scoring tries.

In his last outing against the Cheetahs in the SA Cup, he dotted down in Bloemfontein. Meanwhile, Jean Smith has been rotated to the bench, with Junior Springbok pivot Vusi Moyo getting the nod in the number ten jersey.

Willem van den Hever. Photo: Morgan Piek

Coach JP Pietersen told OFM Sport he is eager to unleash Van den Hever, as the team continues to test different halfback combinations in search of a spark.

“Willem is coming off the bench, and I think last week we threw him in at the deep end when Bryce Calvert pulled out at the last minute.   

“He’s had a solid week of preparation. Willem is a good player, and I’m looking forward to seeing what he can bring on Saturday after getting a proper run-in this week.

“We need some energy – someone effective in open play who can score tries. We really need that right now.

“With Jean and Moyo, we're simply trying out a new combination – Bradley Davids and Moyo starting, with Jean and Ceano Everson coming off the bench.

“It’s about exploring different pairings and seeing whether they can add something to our attack or spark the team in some way. As you know, we don’t have a lot of time.”

Jean Smith. Photo: Morgan Piek

“We’ve only had one round and hardly any pre-season, so time is short and we need to find solutions quickly. That’s why we’re mixing things up.”

Saturday’s (9/8) match at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium kicks off at 17:10.

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, 7 Matt Ramao, 6 Tino Mavesere, 5 Corne Rahl, 4 Gideon Koegelenberg, 3 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 2 Jacques Marais, 1 Phatu Ganyane

Replacements – 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

Cheetahs – TBA

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg