A total of 12 of these Springboks will start the game, while a further four will add impact off the bench.

The Sharks experienced a torrid time in Europe with defeats to Connacht and Benetton and the return of several World Cup winners will be a boost.

These include the Boks captain Siya Kolisi as well as Eben Etzebeth, Aphelele Fassi and Bongi Mbonambi. The most capped Springbok of all time, Etzebeth, will however lead the team onto the field.

The Sharks coach, John Plumtree, said a team needs to turn in strong performances as well and not just be strong on paper.

“I really haven't thought about that, to be honest. My thoughts have been just getting this team together,” said Plumtree.

“We've only arrived back from the UK. We're in Italy on Monday. We have a fresh group of players, and we have a group that's not so fresh. So just getting the balance of our week right in terms of our training has been my focus.

Eben Etzebeth in action. Photo: Morgan Piek

“You can see the team that has been selected is obviously a strong team on paper. But, you know, it is how this team comes together, I guess, to play strong is what really matters.

“We have had a short prep. I have relied on combinations, probably more than playing together as a group, there are four or five Springboks in that pack that have played together over the last couple of months.

“I have got guys that are tired from the tour. So I just thought it was probably better for me to just bank on that experience that I do have and that they can come together real quickly.”

Ox Nche. Photo: Morgan Piek

Saturday afternoon’s match between the Currie Cup champions and URC champions at Kings’ Park kicks off at 15:45.

Sharks – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Eduan Keyter, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 André Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Emmanuel Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Eben Etzebeth (captain), 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche

Replacements – 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Ruan Dreyer, 19 Jason Jenkins, 20 James Venter, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Jurenzo Julius

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek