Lambie set to return for Sharks

Lambie has not played for the Durban side since taking a knock against the Waratahs in the third round of the Super Rugby competition.

In other changes, there are two new wings this week with Kobus van Wyk also returning from injury. He takes over from Odwa Ndungane while the exciting Sbu Nkosi, who is making his debut, has replaced Lwazi Mvovo.

Mvovo is being rested this week.

In the pack, there is rotation in the second row with Stephan Lewies making way for Etienne Oosthuizen, while Coenie Oosthuizen replaces Lourens Adriaanse at tight head prop.

For centre Jeremy Ward, this week is all about backing up the 33-25 defeat of the Jaguares with another good performance.

"Momentum is everything and this week’s quote is something we want to embrace:  ‘Good teams maintain momentum but great teams increase momentum," Ward told the official Sharks website.

"That’s what we’re looking to do this week, to keep pushing forward and really step up. We want to play better rugby, especially at home to give our fans a performance they really enjoy."

He points out that the opposition, the Western Force, will in many respects be a similar proposition to the Rebels. 

"All Aussie teams are trying to play the same style and same type of play, we are expecting a tough encounter, especially as they will look to feed off our errors. They have some very dangerous players so it’s about us pitching up on the day and meeting our standards, not lowering them."

Sharks Team: 15 Rhyno Smith, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Jeremy Ward, 11 Sbu Nkosi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Michael Claassens, 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Philip van der Walt (captain), 5 Ruan Botha, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1 Thomas du Toit

Substitutes: 16 Franco Marais, 17 Beast Mtawarira, 18 Lourens Adriaanse, 19 Stephan Lewies, 20 Tera Mtembu, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Pat Lambie, 23 Johan Deysel