The Sharks have changed only 2 for the game against the Bulls, Riaan Swanepoel comes in at No 12 to bolster the Sharks midfield defence and Lwazi Mvovo replaces the injured JP Pietersen on the wing.

Here is the media release, as reflected on the official Sharks web site:

The Sharks travel to Pretoria to take on the Bulls on Saturday at Loftus Versveld in what is turning out to be an eagerly-anticipated clash of two sides that have a history of big games between them.

Following an intensely-physical match against the Blues last week when The Sharks effectively closed their dangerous runners down, the pressure squeezing the attacking life out of them, they can expect another gigantic battle against their northern opponents who relish any physical contest.

Ryan Kankowski’s much-awaited return following a dislocated finger has failed to materialise after early signs indicated he might, but Keegan Daniel is welcomed back into the fold after a four week absence and has been included on the bench.

Riaan Swanepoel is back to full fitness and returns to the starting line-up while the injury to JP Pietersen sees Lwazi Mvovo (pictured) handed his first start in the Vodacom Super 14. Ruan Pienaar has been declared fit to play which means there are no other changes to the starting XV and the forward pack remaining unchanged from that which performed so well last week.

The Bulls are a tough prospect at home and are undefeated at Loftus this season. They have welcomed back one of their stalwarts in Bakkies Botha, playing his first game of the season after suffering an Achilles injury.

But The Sharks do boast a fairly impressive record in Pretoria and can count on legions of fans to support them.

The two teams have met in Pretoria on three occasions going back to 2004 with The Sharks having won twice. The last time they met was in 2008 with The Sharks securing a 29-15 victory.

The highly-experienced Jonathan Kaplan will referee the match, his 74th in Super Rugby.

The Sharks

15. Patrick Lambie
14. Odwa Ndungane
13. Stefan Terblanche
12. Riaan Swanepoel
11. Lwazi Mvovo
10. Andy Goode
9. Ruan Pienaar
8. Willem Alberts
7. Jean Deysel
6. Jacques Botes
5. Johann Muller
4. Steven Sykes
3. Jannie du Plessis
2. Bismarck du Plessis
1. John Smit (Capt )

Replacements:
16. Craig Burden
17. Tendai Mtawarira
18. Alistair Hargreaves
19. Keegan Daniel
20. Rory Kockott
21. Andries Strauss
22. Luzuko Vulindlu