100 up for Makazole Mapimpi as Sharks host Munster in Durban

The powerful Mapimpi joins an elite group of centurions to have worn the coveted Black and White jersey on 100 occasions or more.

Head coach JP Pietersen has made eight changes to his team, including the return of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi to the starting line-up, where the Bok captain earns his 50th cap.

There is also a reshuffling of the front row, with Phatu Ganyane, Fez Mbatha and Hanro Jacobs swapping jerseys with Ox Nche, Eduan Swart and Vincent Koch who started the last match.

Amongst the backs, Grant Williams starts in place of the injured Jaden Hendrikse, while Ethan Hooker is back to partner captain Andre Esterhuizen in the midfield.

Yaw Penxe takes over from Edwill van der Merwe on the wingand Sharks U21 star and new kid on the block for the Blitzbokke, Luan Giliomee, gets a start at fullback, replacing Jaco Williams.

While the immediate ambition for the team is to enjoy a successful outing against the Irish, the fight for a top eight finish remains a priority that the team cannot lose sight of.

“We know what a challenge it’s going to be, but there is hope and belief, and a big drive to get results because we know we can’t afford any errors,” explained flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse in the build-up to the match.

Saturday's match kicks off at 17:00.

Sharks - 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (c), 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Phatu Ganyane.

Replacements: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Corné Rahl, 20 Nick Hatton, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Jean Smith, 23 Hakeem Kunene.