Sharks coach John Plumtree has decided to give World Cup-winning wing JP Pietersen as much time as possible to recover from a calf injury, as he looks towards his team's encounter with the Hurricanes in Durban on Saturday.

Pietersen damaged his calf in the bonus-point 35-14 victory over the Brumbies last week and has been bracketed with the exciting Luzuko Vulindlu on the left wing in the starting XV to face the Hurricanes.

Plumtree may only make a call on the tournament's joint top try-scorer (Pietersen is tied with Chiefs star Sitiveni Sivivatu on six) on match day.

If he fails a late fitness test Vulindlu will make his first Super 14 start.

With five appearances for the Sharks off the bench, the youngster - who still played Under-21 rugby last year - have gained some experience at Super Rugby level.

However, the absence of Pietersen - a deadly finisher and world class defender - will be sorely missed.

The only other change sees Springbok captain John Smit and fellow World Cup Bok Jannie du Plessis swap places, Smit starting at tighthead prop.

The Sharks currently top the log with 26 points - ahead of the Waratahs (23), Chiefs and Bulls (both 22). The Hurricanes are in fifth place on 20 points, but with a game in hand.

The Sharks: 15 Stefan Terblanche, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Adrian Jacobs, 12 Riaan Swanepoel, 11 JP Pietersen/Luzuko Vulindlu, 10 Francois Steyn, 9 Rory Kockott, 8 Ryan Kankowski, 7 Keegan Daniel, 6 Jacques Botes, 5 Johann Muller (captain), 4 Steven Sykes, 3 John Smit, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 Jannie du Plessis, 17 Deon Carstens, 18 Albert van den Berg, 19 Skholiwe Ndlovu, 20 Charl McLeod, 21 Monty Dumond, 22 Luzuko Vulindlu/Chris Jordaan.

Date: Saturday, April 4 Venue: Absa Stadium, Durban Kick-off: 17.00 (15.00 GMT) Referee: Marius Jonker (South Africa) Touch judges: Joey Salmans (South Africa), Cobus Wessels (South Africa) TMO: Johann Meuwesen (South Africa)