Lions v Sharks: Teams

Coach John Plumtree has made two changes to his Sharks side for their crunch Super 14 encounter against the Lions on Saturday.

South Africa lock Johann Muller is back to boost the second row after spending the last four weeks out with a finger injury, while Jean Deysel is named in place of Ryan Kankowski, who has been ruled out for the season with hand problem.

Willem Alberts moves to number eight to accommodate Deysel, with Alistair Hargreaves, who has been plugging the gap left by Muller, dropping to the bench.

The Durban franchise are currently on a high having won three games in a row after failing to win any of their opening five matches.

The victories have also revived their slim semi-final chances, but they will have to win most of their five remaining games and rely on other results going their way if they are to qualify.

Plumtree said: "From a mental point of view, the players are starting to play with a bit more confidence, everyone is working really hard.

"With our situation, it's pretty much knockout for us now. If we can keep winning, who knows what could happen?"

Spencer dropped

But the coach warned against complacency, saying that the bottom-placed Lions will be just as eager for victory.

He added: "The Lions are looking to resurrect their campaign against South African teams, certainly playing The Sharks will be exciting for them.

"There should be a fairly good crowd at Coca-Cola Park, it should be a good occasion for them."

Lions coach Dick Muir has dropped Carlos Spencer to the bench in one of six changes for the visit of the Sharks.

The former New Zealand fly-half, who has not been on top of his game in recent weeks, is replaced at ten by Herkie Kruger in one of three back-line changes.

Marius Delport is named at centre for Walter Venter, who was injured last weekend, and Tonderai Chavhanga returns on the wing in place of Wigan Pekeur.

Up front, loosehead JC Janse van Rensburg starts for Heinke van der Merwe who is being held back for impact against the Sharks later in the game, while Hans van Dyk is at hooker in a new-look but solid front-row. Derick Minnie makes way for Todd Clever at number eight.

Delport, Kruger and Van Dyk as well as scrum-half replacement Chris Jonck were not on the Australasia tour.

Lions: 15 Michael Killian, 14 Tonderai Chavanga, 13 Marius Delport, 12 Doppies la Grange, 11 Wandile Mjekevu, 10 Herkie Kruger, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Todd Clever, 7 Wikus van Heerden, 6 Cobus Grobbelaar (capt), 5 Franco van der Merwe, 4 Nico Luus, 3 Gert Muller, 2 Hans van Dyk, 1 JC Janse van Rensburg.
Replacements: 16 Hannes Franklin, 17 Heinke van der Merwe, 18 Willem Stoltz, 19 Derick Minnie, 20 Chris Jonck, 21 Deon van Rensburg, 22 Carlos Spencer.

The Sharks: 15 Patrick Lambie, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Stefan Terblanche, 12 Riaan Swanepoel, 11 JP Pietersen, 10 Andy Goode, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Willem Alberts, 7 Jean Deysel, 6 Jacques Botes, 5 Johann Muller, 4 Steven Sykes, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 John Smit (capt).
Replacements: 16 Craig Burden, 17 Tendai Mtawarira, 18 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 19 Alistair Hargreaves, 20 Rory Kockott, 21 Andries Strauss, 22 Lwazi Mvovo.