Mongalo in charge of experimental side as Sharks juggle resources for Connact trip

It's hardly an easy first assignment, but Joey Mongalo has been granted the opportunity to step out of the relative shadows of being assistant coach and be a senior head coach.

The former Lions and Bulls defence guru, who joined the Sharks in the off-season to become the franchise's Currie Cup mentor, will take charge of Saturday's URC meeting with Connacht in Galway.

His promotion is part of a broader plan of managing the Durbanites' resources, who - unlike the Stormers - have to return home next week to play Bordeaux in the European Champions Cup.

The strategy of keeping the proverbial A-listers at home is understandable, given that a victory next week would virtually ensure progress to the knockouts already.

"Director of rugby Neil Powell has remained in Durban to prepare for next week’s big game against Bordeaux Begles and has entrusted Currie Cup Head Coach 0Mongalo with the coaching reigns for this match," the franchise confirmed in a statement.

Wily lock Reniel Hugo will wear the captain's armband and will rely heavily on the nous and experience of Henco Venter, Cameron Wright, Lionel Cronje and Rohan Janse van Rensburg to provide a safety net for a talented but distinctly green match squad.

That's no better exemplified three men on the bench - Ockie Barnard (who made a big impression on loan at the Cheetahs last season), Corne Rahl and Ethan Hooker - all being in line for their franchise debuts.

Kick-off is at 19:15

15 Anthony Volmink, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Murray Koster, 12 Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 11 Marnus Potgieter, 10 Nevaldo Fleurs, 9 Cameron Wright, 8 Mpilo Gumede, 7 Henco Venter, 6 James Venter, 5 Reniel Hugo (captain), 4 Thembelani Bholi, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu 

Substitutes: 16 Kerron van