Injuries force Sharks reshuffle as Siya Kolisi returns for Edinburgh clash

The Durban side face a must-win scenario, needing maximum points from their remaining fixtures and favourable results elsewhere to keep their play-off hopes alive following last weekend's defeat to the Ospreys.

They have, however, been boosted by the return of Siya Kolisi, who is back from a calf injury and named on the bench for what will be his 50th appearance for the Sharks.

Despite Pietersen's preference for consistency, injuries to Le Roux Malan and Ethan Hooker have ruled both out of the Edinburgh clash.

Malan failed a head injury assessment after being forced off following a high tackle, while Hooker dislocated his shoulder after being landed on in the act of scoring.

These setbacks have compounded the Sharks' injury concerns and resulted in a reshuffled backline, with Siya Masuku shifting from fly-half to inside centre. Captain Andre Esterhuizen moves to outside centre, while Makazole Mapimpi comes into the starting XV.

Teenage fullback Zekhethelo Siyaya retains his place after his debut, with Edwill van der Merwe completing the back three. Jaden Hendrikse and Jean Smith form the half-back pairing.

The forward pack remains unchanged, with Emmanuel and Vincent Tshituka joined by Phepsi Buthelezi in the loose trio, while Emile van Heerden and Jason Jenkins continue in the second row.

Phatu Ganyane, Hanro Jacobs and Fez Mbatha start again in the front row, with Ox Nche and Vincent Koch among the replacements alongside Eduan Swart.

Kolisi's return sees Pietersen opt for a 6-2 bench split, with Corne Rahl and Nick Hatton covering the forwards, while Bradley Davids and Marnus Potgieter provide backline cover.

Sharks: 15 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Andre Esterhuizen (c), 12 Siya Masuku, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jean Smith, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Emmanuel Tshituka, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 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 Corne Rahl, 20 Nick Hatton, 21 Siya Kolisi, 22 Bradley Davids, 23 Marnus Potgieter