Tom Curry makes first appearance despite pending disciplinary hearing

Luke Cowan-Dickie, George Ford, and Asher Opoku-Fordjour are also back in the Sharks XV following their standout performances in the Quilter Autumn Series.

Cowan-Dickie joins two more former Chiefs in the Sharks ranks—Tom O’Flaherty and summer signing Jacques Vermeulen—who face their old club.

The front row features tighthead Opoku-Fordjour, hooker Cowan-Dickie, and loosehead Simon McIntyre, marking his 100th appearance for the Sharks. In the second row, captain Ernst van Rhyn returns alongside Ben Bamber, fresh from an England A appearance against Spain.

Curry’s back-row partners are Vermeulen and number eight Dan du Preez, forming a powerhouse trio. At fly-half, George Ford, architect of three Autumn Series victories, links with scrum-half Gus Warr.

In the centres, Rekeit Ma’asi-White teams up with Rob du Preez, while wings Alex Wills and O’Flaherty fill in for the injured Tom Roebuck and Arron Reed. Luke James takes the full-back spot.

The bench is stacked with talent: hooker Nathan Jibulu, props Tumy Onasanya and James Harper, plus lineout options Hyron Andrews and Tom Burrow. Raffi Quirke rejoins from England duty, Marius Louw adds depth, and Regan Grace returns on a short-term deal.

Starting XV:
15. Luke James, 14. Tom O’Flaherty, 13. Rob du Preez, 12. Rekeit Ma’asi-White, 11. Alex Wills, 10. George Ford, 9. Gus Warr; 1. Simon McIntyre (100), 2. Luke Cowan-Dickie, 3. Asher Opoku-Fordjour, 4. Ernst van Rhyn ©, 5. Ben Bamber, 6. Jacques Vermeulen, 7. Tom Curry, 8. Dan du Preez.

Replacements:
16. Nathan Jibulu, 17. Tumy Onasanya, 18. James Harper, 19. Tom Burrow, 20. Hyron Andrews, 21. Raffi Quirke, 22. Marius Louw, 23. Regan Grace