Sharks coach Robert du Preez has made several changes to his side for their game against the Rebels in Melbourne on Friday.

There are also a few alterations on the bench following their defeat to the Brumbies.

Sbu Nkosi and Lwazi Mvovo replace Kobus van Wyk and Makazole Mapimpi on the wings, while Marius Louw takes over from André Esterhuizen at inside centre.

The pack sees the return of blindside flank Jean-Luc du Preez to the starting XV for the first time this season. Jacques Vermeulen moves to openside flank while Wian Vosloo drops to the bench.

Hooker Franco Marais, lock Hyron Andrews and utility back Garth April are the new additions to the reserves.

Sharks – 15 Curwin Bosch, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Rob du Preez, 9 Louis Schreuder, 8 Tera Mtembu, 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Jacques Vermeulen, 5 Stephan Lewies, 4 Ruan Botha (c), 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Beast Mtawarira.
Subs: 16 Franco Marais, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 John-Hubert Meyer, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Wian Vosloo, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Kobus van Wyk, 23 Garth April.

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images