URC: George Whitehead makes debut for Sharks against Connacht

With the Springboks taking on Wales earlier, the Sharks have had to make do without most of their internationals. That said, the side still features a Boks back three with Jordan Hendrikse at fullback and Edwill van der Merwe and Makzole Mapimpi on the wings.

The bench is boosted by the inclusion of Bok livewire Grant Williams, who has been released from national duty.

The surprise inclusion is Griquas stalwart George Whitehead, who makes his Sharks debut at flyhalf.

Captain Vincent Tshituka, who starts alongside his brother Emmanuel, is relishing the Irish challenge.

"We've been able to prepare well for this challenge against Connacht, the guys have put in a lot of hard work and there's been a good, positive vibe going into this game," he said.

"The past few weeks have been about connecting with the team, it's been a tough start to the season, not one we wanted, but the only way to build is to bounce back together and put in the hard work, which is exactly what we've done. We hope we get to reap those results as well.

"Team connection has been a massive part of the last few weeks for us, connecting on and off the field, connecting as individuals and it's been working, the guys are in a really good space."

Sharks - 15 Jordan Hendrikse, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Francois Venter, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 George Whitehead, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Emmanuel Tshituka, 7 Vincent Tshituka (c), 6 Matt Romao, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Phatu Ganyane.

Replacements: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 18 Mawande Mdanda, 19 Emile van Heerden, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Le Roux Malan, 23 Hakeem Kunene.