Lions look to experienced Du Plessis for URC derby against the Sharks

The Lions have named their side to face the Sharks in a United Rugby Championship (URC) derby on Saturday, with former Springbok prop Jannie du Plessis set to start at tighthead.

Du Plessis replaces Carlu Sadie in the front row with Sti Sithole starting in the No 1 jumper in place of JP Smith, who drops to the bench.

After impressing for the Lions in the Currie Cup, flank Jarod Cairns will get a chance off the bench. 

Lions forward and lineout coach, former Springbok lock Albert van den Berg expects a tight, forward dominated contest. 

“I think it will be a forward dominated battle, particularly when it comes to scrums and mauls,” said Van den Berg.

“Their kicking game is also quite a powerful weapon, so that's an element we've prepared for in our sessions this week. If we can counter those aspects successfully, we feel we’re in with a shout come Saturday.”

The match kicks off at 16:05.

Teams

Sharks

15 Anthony Volmink, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Ben Tapuai, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Henco Venter, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Reniel Hugo, 4 Gerbrandt Grobler, 3 Thomas du Toit (captain), 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche 

Substitutes: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Khutha Mchunu, 19 Le Roux Roets, 20 Jeandre Labuschagne, 21 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Boeta Chamberlain

Lions

15 Quan Horn, 14 Rabz Maxwane, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Manuel Rass, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Emmanuel Tshituka, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Francke Horn, 5 Reinhard Nothnagel (captain), 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 PJ Botha, 1 Sti Sithole. 

Substitutes: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 JP Smith, 18 Ruan Dreyer, 19 Sibusiso Sangweni, 20 Jarod Cairns, 21