Andre Esterhuizen leads the Sharks in their URC Round Two clash against defending champions Leinster at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday, with Thomas du Toit and Edwill van der Merwe returning to the starting XV after international duty. Ox Nche, Eben Etzebeth and Ethan Hooker are named among the replacements.
Club captain Phepsi Buthelezi, who starts at openside, says the focus is on building on last week's positive showing against the Ospreys while using the Leinster fixture as a benchmark.
"This week presents us with an opportunity to measure ourselves against the defending champions," Buthelezi said. "We've had hard and honest conversations as a group and know exactly where we want to go."
The Sharks' attack coach Scott Mathie, back in Durban for a second stint, has had a visible impact, with Buthelezi crediting the group's response to his influence after an expansive try-scoring display in Round One.
A lengthy absentee list includes Bongi Mbonambi, Makazole Mapimpi, Trevor Nyakane, Stephan Lewies and Jordan Hendrikse among those unavailable.
Kick-off at Kings Park is 18:30 SAST, with Craig Evans (WRU) as referee.