Kolisi leads Sharks against Scarlets as regular skipper Am jets off to Japan

Sharks coach Sean Everitt has named his team for Friday night's United Rugby Championship clash against Welsh outfit Scarlets in Durban.

Everitt has made three changes to the team that beat Italian side Benetton 29-7 in Treviso late last month.

Jeremy Ward comes in at outside centre for regular captain Lukhanyo Am, who is away in Japan for a two-month stint at the Kobelco Kobe Steelers.

National Siya Kolisi takes over the captaincy in Am's absence.

The other two changes come in the pack where Reniel Hugo replaces Ruben van Heerden at lock and Sikhumbuzo Notshe and Phepsi Buthelezi switch positions at No 8.

"It's a huge boost having Siya as captain, although it doesn't really change much because he's been playing a leadership role since he arrived at the Sharks," explained fellow Springbok Sbu Nkosi.

"He's been very positive and very involved, and I don't think it will be a major shift for us because he's been bringing that same energy all the time. The only thing that changes now is that he has the authority that comes with the title of captain."

Friday's clash at Kings Park kicks off at 19:10.

15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Jeremy Ward, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Henco Venter, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Reniel Hugo, 4 Gerbrandt Grobler, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche 

Substitutes: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Khutha Mchunu, 19 Le Roux Roets, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Tito Bonilla, 23 Werner Kok