Du Toit leads Sharks against Dragons as Kolisi moves to bench

Sharks coach Sean Everitt has made alterations to his side for Friday night's United Rugby Championship clash against Welsh outfit Dragons in Durban.

The Sharks suffered a disappointing 21-5 reverse to Edinburgh at Kings Park last week, with Everitt making four changes to his starting pack.

There's an all-new loose trio, with James Venter coming in for Siya Kolisi, Jeandre Labuschagne for Henco Venter, and Phepsi Buthelezi for Sikhumbuzo Notshe. Le Roux Roets also gets a start in Reniel Hugo's place at lock.

With skipper Kolisi playing off the bench, tighthead prop Thomas du Toit takes over the captaincy.

In the backline, Jaden Hendrikse comes in for Grant Williams at scrumhalf and Jeremy Ward at inside centre for Marius Louw.

Despite losing 55-20 to the Bulls in Pretoria, Everitt expects a better effort from the Dragons.

"All the European teams will be stronger than what we've faced over the last couple of weeks because they're getting their players back from Six Nations duty," the coach said.

"So, no team in this competition can be underestimated. If you're off your game on the day, you can get a big hiding. For us, it's about being more accurate in our execution and hoping to improve on Friday night."

Friday's clash at Kings Park kicks off at 19:30.

15 Anthony Volmink, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Ben Tapuai, 12 Jeremy Ward, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Jeandre Labuschagne, 6 James Venter, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Le Roux Roets, 3 Thomas du Toit (captain), 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche

Substitutes: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Khutha Mchunu, 19 Reniel Hugo, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Siya Kolisi, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Boeta Chamberlain