Eben Etzebeth starts as Sharks promote Springbok trio for Stormers derby

Eben Etzebeth will start against the Stormers on Saturday as the Sharks promote three Springboks from the bench for their United Rugby Championship derby.

Ox Nche and Ethan Hooker also move into JP Pietersen’s starting side following last weekend’s 26-20 victory over Leinster.

The Sharks head to Cape Town after winning their opening two matches at Kings Park. Saturday brings their first away test of the campaign.

Eben Etzebeth moves into starting pack

The changes bring three of South Africa’s internationals into the game from the outset after their involvement as replacements against Leinster.

Etzebeth starts at lock alongside Darrien Landsberg. Nche joins a front row containing hooker Eduan Swart and tighthead Thomas du Toit.

Hooker takes the left-wing position, with Edwill van der Merwe on the opposite flank. Andre Esterhuizen captains the side from inside centre.

In the Sharks’ team announcement, scrum coach Philip Lemmer highlighted the familiarity between the two packs.

“It’s definitely going to be a massive battle this week,” he said.

Sharks aim to maintain winning start

The Stormers return home after a 17-13 defeat at Edinburgh, while the Sharks are chasing a third successive victory.

For Pietersen’s side, the derby offers an early measure of whether their home form can travel.

Follow more of the weekend’s developments in Dave.Sport’s rugby coverage.