The Sharks return to United Rugby Championship (URC) action this weekend when they tackle Cardiff on Saturday, but will do so without the services of Springboks captain Siya Kolisi.

After featuring in both of the Investec Champions Cup fixtures over the last fortnight, Kolisi will now serve his ‘mandatory Springbok rest period’, the Sharks have confirmed.

Siya Kolisi misses Cardiff clash

In his place, head coach John Plumtree has handed Nick Hatton a deserved start after impressing off the bench for the side – even in the defeat to Bordeaux last time out.

He packs down in the number eight jumper with Phepsi Buthelezi and Emmanuel Tshituka starting on the side of the scrum.

With Springboks lock Eben Etzebeth still sidelined for the Sharks as he is yet to make an appearance this year, the Durbanites’ woes in the second-row are worsened by the unavailability of Corne Rahl, Emile van Heerden and Gerbrandt Grobler.

The lengthy injury list means that loose forward Vincent Tshituka will pack down in the second-row and captain the side alongside Jason Jenkins. Up front, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Bongi Mbonambi and Trevor Nyakane once again make up the front-row.

Into the backs and the Sharks are boosted by the return of Makazole Mapimpi who starts on the left wing with Jordan Hendrikse at full-back and Yaw Penxe on the right.

Grant Williams and Siya Masuku are the starting half-backs while exciting rising stars Ethan Hooker and Jurenzo Julius are named as a centre combination for the first time in the URC.

There is a further Bok boost on the bench for the Sharks as Vincent Koch is back to take a place amongst the replacements providing front-row cover with Ruan Dreyer and Ethan Bester.

Deon Slabbert, who has joined as lock cover from the Bulls, features on the bench along with Lappies Labuschagne.

Jaden Hendrikse will earn his 50th international competition cap for the Sharks off the bench as he provides backline cover with Springboks Francois Venter and Lukhanyo Am.

Sharks team v Cardiff

Sharks: 15 Jordan Hendrikse, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Ethan Hooker, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Nick Hatton, 7 Emmanuel Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Vincent Tshituka (c), 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu
Replacements: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Ruan Dreyer, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Deon Slabbert, 20 Lappies Labuschagne, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Francois Venter, 23 Lukhanyo Am

Venue: Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff
Kick-off: 17:15 GMT, 19:15 CAT
Referee: Mike Adamson
Assistant Referees: Mike English, Gwyn Morris
TMO: Andrew McMenemy