Loosehead prop Ox Nché and fullback Aphelele Fassi both return from injury and slot straight into the XV, adding steel up front and class at the back for the coastal side. There is more good news for the hosts, with Corné Rahl and former Toyota Cheetahs flyhalf Siya Masuku also making welcome returns to the matchday 23. 

They are named on a bench that blends exciting youngsters with proven experience, including Springboks Phepsi Buthelezi and Jaden Hendrikse.

In total, head coach JP Pietersen has made just three changes to the starting XV. Nché starts at loosehead in place of Phatu Ganyane, Manu Tshituka comes in at eighth man for Buthelezi, and Fassi takes over at fullback from Hakeem Kunene.

Pietersen said that his side is refreshed, focused, and ready to fire in their first outing of 2026.

“The training week has gone really well, and I feel refreshed after the week off – it definitely helped,” said the former Springbok winger.

Aphelele Fassi. Photo: Morgan Piek

“We’ve had good sessions, and André has been leading the group well alongside the leadership team. We’re fully focused on this week against the Lions. The two wins have brought energy and helped tighten the group, but they mean nothing if you don’t back them up. 

“What’s important for us is identifying areas we still need to work on so we can keep growing. We want to keep it going, work hard, and continue making this team better.”

Pietersen was quick to highlight the threat posed by the Johannesburg-based outfit.

“The Lions are seventh or eighth on the log, which shows how competitive they are and the way they play. They’ve got a strong coaching group that’s been together for a long time and a clear understanding of what they want to do.

“They beat the Bulls convincingly at Loftus and could easily have beaten the Stormers in Cape Town, so their confidence will be high coming to Kings Park.”

With local pride on the line, the Sharks boss expects a bruising contest.

JP Pietersen (left). Photo: Morgan Piek

“A South African derby is always unpredictable and as physical as it gets, so we’re preparing ourselves for a proper battle. The Lions like to move the ball and that’s something we also want to do more – play rugby and give the fans an entertaining game.

“It’s a great way to start the new year, and we’re excited for the challenge.”

Saturday’s derby at Kings Park kicks off at 15:30.

Sharks - 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 André Esterhuizen (captain), 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Manu Tshituka, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nché

Replacements - 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Phatu Ganyane, 18 Mawande Mdanda, 19 Corné Rahl, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Nick Hatton, 22 Jaden Hendrikse, 23 Siya Masuku

Lions - TBA

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh