Sharks unchanged for Connacht duel as Durbanites set sights on home quarter-final

Sharks coach Sean Everitt has named an unchanged match-day 23 for Saturday's United Rugby Championship clash against Connacht in Durban.

The Sharks beat log-leaders Leinster 28-23 last weekend, and after emerging unscathed on the injury front, Everitt opted for the same squad this weekend.

Last week's win saw the Sharks move up to fourth on the URC standings, and captain Thomas du Toit said the aim now is to stay in the top four.

"We're not aiming to be in the top eight, we're looking for a home quarter-final," Du Toit said. "We'll treat each game as if it's our last game and the only opportunity we're going to get, so the focus on each game is massive.

"We're treating each game like a final and the value of a home quarter-final can't be underestimated. We're playing for that."

15 Aphelele Fassi, 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 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 Jeandre Labuschagne, 21 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Boeta Chamberlain

Du Toit added that 10th-placed Connacht were different compared to the other Irish outfits.

"Munster, Leinster, and Ulster have similar attacking and defensive patterns, whereas Connacht play a freer style of rugby. The other three have more structure, but Connacht is the more physical side, if not one of the most physical sides in the competition.

"Connacht is well prepared and well trained and it's going to be a big challenge for us."

Saturday's clash at Kings Park kicks off at 16:05.