Springbok No 8 Nizaam Carr continues to wear the captain's armband and will lead a forward pack showing significant changes for the match that will be broadcast live on SuperSport at 19h00. Marius van der Westhuizen is the referee.

Blitzbok Tim Agaba comes into the starting line-up at blindside flank, with Werner Gouws shifting to openside, while Janko Swanepoel has been drafted in at lock.

The pack also features a new front row with Springboks Marcel van der Merwe and Lizo Gqoboka starting alongside former Junior Springbok hooker Schalk Erasmus.

In the backline, Richard Kriel (fullback), Madosh Tambwe (wing) and Zak Burger (scrumhalf) retain their spots from last week’s thrilling win against the DHL Stormers, but a new centre partnership of Marnus Potgieter and Dawid Kellerman will front up against the Durbanites, with the impressive Diego Appollis starting on the left wing.

Veteran Springbok flyhalf Morné Steyn, meanwhile, will provide valuable experience in what is a youthful backline.

The bench has also had a new look to it, with Jacques van Rooyen (prop), Raynard Roets (lock), Reinhardt Ludwig (loose forward), Clinton Swart, Jay-Cee Nel (utility backs) and Keagan Johannes (scrumhalf) all being called on to provide cover.

“We have our last warm-up this week and we could not ask for better opposition in the Cell C Sharks,” said White.

“It’s our first meeting since our Carling Currie Cup final battle and they’ll want to get one over the champions.

“The Sharks have a strong squad which ultimately provides the foundation for another tough encounter, but the gents are more than ready to throw their bodies on the line to secure a victory.”

Vodacom Bulls: 15 Richard Kriel, 14 Madosh Tambwe, 13 Marnus Potgieter, 12 Dawid Kellerman, 11 Diego Appollis, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Zak Burger, 8 Nizaam Carr (captain), 7 Tim Agaba, 6 Werner Gouws, 5 Janko Swanepoel, 4 Jan Uys, 3 Marcel van der Merwe, 2 Schalk Erasmus, 1 Lizo Gqoboka. Replacements (from): 16 Janco Uys, 17 Jacques van Rooyen, 18 Mornay Smith, 19 Raynard Roets, 20 WJ Steenkamp, 21 Keagan Johannes, 22 Clinton Swart, 23 Jay-Cee Nel, 24 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 25 Reinhardt Ludwig, 26 Bernard van der Linde, 27 Niel Beukes.