Sharks ring changes up front for Currie Cup trip to Bloemfontein

The Sharks, fresh off a 20-10 home Currie Cup loss to the Pumas, face a stern challenge against the unbeaten Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Currie Cup head coach Etienne Fynn has made a number of changes to his side, naming a new front row of Khwezi Mona, Fez Mbatha and Lourens Adriaanse. They replace Dian Bleuler, Kerron van Vuuren and Wiehahn Herbst.

In the second row, Emile van Heerden replaces Ruben van Heerden while in the loose trio, Dylan Richardson takes over from James Venter, and Mpilo Gumede comes in for Sikhumbuzo Notshe at No 8.

There is just the one change to the backline, where Murray Koster replaces Ethan Fisher at centre.

The Sharks are third on the Currie Cup standings (24 points), with five wins from nine matches. The Cheetahs (36 points) are second but have a game in hand on the log-leading Bulls (37 points).

Saturday's clash at Free State Stadium kicks off 14:30.

15 Nevaldo Fleurs, 14 Marnus Potgieter, 13 Jeremy Ward (captain), 12 Murray Koster, 11 Anthony Volmink, 10 Boeta Chamberlain, 9 Cameron Wright, 8 Mpilo Gumede, 7 Thembelani Bholi, 6 Dylan Richardson, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Emile van Heerden, 3 Lourens Adriaanse, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Khwezi Mona

Substitutes: 16 Dan Jooste, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Blaine Golden, 19 Le Roux Roets, 20 Nick Hatton, 21 Zee Mkhabela, 22 Tito Bonilla, 23 Ethan Fisher