Sharks coach John Plumtree has opted for Bismarck du Plessis as his hooker, ahead of World Cup-winning Springbok captain John Smit, in the starting XV to face the Lions in a Currie Cup semifinal in Durban on Saturday.

Plumtree made just two changes to his team, both in the pack — with Du Plessis wearing the number two jersey and the Bok captain dropping down to the bench, while Jean Deysel is in for Keegan Daniel as the blindside flank.

Plumtree has only one injury concern — with veteran lock Albert van den Berg still doubtful after injuring his shoulder in the win over Griquas last week. He has been bracketed alongside Nikolai Blignaut on the bench. A late call on his fitness will be made ahead of the game.

The Sharks coach admits that the demands of a knock-out match are different to those of a pool match.

"This week there is a lot of pressure and everyone raises their game, because of the intensity of that game, and what it means," Plumtree said.

"We're expecting a really physical tough competition from the Lions, we're not expecting anything different from them."

Sharks: 15 Stefan Terblanche, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Adrian Jacobs, 12 Francois Steyn, 11 JP Pietersen, 10 Frederic Michalak, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Ryan Kankowski, 7 Jean Deysel, 6 Jacques Botes, 5 Johann Muller (captain), 4 Steven Sykes, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 John Smit, 17 Deon Carstens, 18 Albert van den Berg/Nikolai Blignaut, 19 Keegan Daniel, 20 Rory Kockott, 21 Bradley Barritt, 22 Waylon Murray.

Date: Saturday, October 11
Venue: Absa Stadium, Durban
Kick-off: 14.30 (12.30 GMT)
Referee: Mark Lawrence
Touch judges: Deon van Blommestein, Cobus Wessels
TMO: Johann Meuwesen

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