Kolisi on the bench for Sharks

Siya Kolisi will make a welcome return to action following a calf injury in what will be his 50th appearance for the Hollywoodbets Sharks, when they take on Edinburgh in Friday night’s final away match of the regular season in this year’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship.

As defence coach Joey Mongalo reported earlier this week, where there is opportunity there is hope and this team, with their backs to the wall, will look to demonstrate their pedigree, but more than that, deliver a performance fitting of the character they possess.

Head coach JP Pietersen continues the pattern of trying to maintain continuity, build cohesion and survive a devastating injury toll, with Springbok Ethan Hooker the latest in a long line of players on the sidelines following a most unfortunate incident against the Ospreys.

That’s the disappointing news but on an optimistic note, there are minimal changes as the Sharks look to finish their two-week overseas tour on a high against a team also chasing a Top 8 finish.

There are just two changes to the starting line-up, the pack remaining intact while Makazole Mapimpi comes in for Hooker who suffered a dislocated shoulder last week and captain Andre Esterhuizen shifting to outside centre, partnering Siya Masuku in the midfield.

Teenage sensation Zekhethelo Siyaya remains at fullback after his breakthrough debut against the Ospreys and he can only benefit from having the Bok captain alongside him later in the game.

Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt said: "Last week's win gave us a huge lift. It went right to the wire but the character the group showed – and particularly some of the younger players – to see it out was incredibly pleasing.

"We're excited to give Hector (Patterson) another shot at nine – he showed last week exactly what he's capable of. Cammy (Scott) has been outstanding in training and fully deserves his opportunity to start.

"The Sharks come to Edinburgh knowing they need to win, and they'll be fired up for that. They bring genuine international experience across the park, and we know how dangerous they can be. We won't be underestimating them for a second.

"We know over 7 400 tickets have already been sold and it could be another electric night at Hive Stadium. The support we get from this city and our supporting regions, means everything to this squad and we can't wait to get out there on Friday."

Hollywoodbets Sharks starting XV: 15 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Andre Esterhuizen (capt), 12 Siya Masuku, 11 Makazole Mapimpi; 10 Jean Smith, 9 Jaden Hendrikse; 8 Emmanuel Tshituka, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi; 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins; 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Phatu Ganyane. Replacements: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Nick Hatton, 21 Siya Kolisi, 22 Bradley Davids, 23 Marnus Potgieter.

FRIDAY

Edinburgh Rugby v Hollywoodbets Sharks

Hive Stadium, Edinburgh – KO 7.45pm IRE & UK/8.45pm ITA & SA

Referee: Ben Breakspear (WRU, 19th game)

AR1: Rob McDowell (SRU)

AR2: Jonny MacKenzie (SRU)

TMO: Keith David (WRU)

Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv