The Cell C Sharks made four changes to their side, bringing back their Springbok big-guns for their Vodacom United Rugby Championship match against Irish powerhouse Ulster on Saturday.
While the four Springboks in question were re-integrated into the side last weekend off the bench, coach Sean Everitt had no hesitation bringing them back for the match against the powerful Northern Irish side, who are also in the top four on the tournament log.
Everitt returns Springbok prop Ox Nche, hooker Bongi Mbonambi, flanker and Bok captain Siya Kolisi and try-scoring ace Makazole Mapimpi into the starting line-up in a clear statement of intent.
Nche returns to the starting line-up in a straight swop with another Bok Ntuthuko Mchunu while Mbonambi swops with Kerron van Vuuren. Kolisi is in the side for Dylan Richardson, who moves onto the bench while Mapimpi takes the place of Anthony Volmink.
The Sharks face a tough task with Ulster getting their maiden win in South Africa last weekend against the Lions, getting past altitude and heat to win a 10 try thriller. They are also the side with the most success from lineout mauls and the Sharks will keep a keen eye on that.
But for the first time in ages, the Sharks are close to their full strength side and will want to put the hammer down to ensure that the Irish side don’t become the first side to score a double in the Republic.
Thomas du Toit will captain the side in the match, that kicks off at 6.05pm on Saturday.
Cell C Sharks: Aphelele Fassi; Werner Kok, Marnus Potgieter, Ben Tapuai, Makazole Mapimpi, Boeta Chamberlain, Jaden Hendrikse; Phepsi Buthelezi, Vincent Tshituka, Siya Kolisi, Hyron Andrews, Eben Etzebeth, Thomas du Toit (captain), Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche.
Replacements: Kerron van Vuuren, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Carlu Sadie, Reniel Hugo, James Venter, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Cameron Wright, Anthony Volmink.