The Highlanders have stuck with the familiar faces in taking on a powerful looking Sharks outfit tomorrow morning.
There are just two changes to the starting team which beat the Bulls two weeks ago, both in the forward pack.
Lock Jarrad Hoeata will start in place of the injured Brad Thorn while Nasi Manu comes back into the team at No 8.
Elliot Dixon shuffles from the back of the scrum to the blindside flank with Gareth Evans moving to the bench.
It is tough on Evans, who has impressed in his first season at this level and has the ability to get all round the paddock.
Dixon is a more bruising player, which will be needed against a big physical Sharks side, but he does go missing in games and takes the odd bad option.
The Sharks are looking to consolidate their top-of-the-table spot and have been buoyed by the news key back Patrick Lambie may be back from injury earlier than expected.
But he will not take on the Highlanders and Tim Swiel is trusted in the pivot position.
The Sharks welcome back Springbok winger JP Pietersen, who missed last week's match against the Cheetahs due to a hamstring strain.
It will be the 100th game at this level for the Sharks' former skipper Keegan Daniel, who will play at No 8.
Highlanders v Sharks
Durban, tomorrow, 5.10am
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Highlanders: Ben Smith (co-captain), Richard Buckman, Malakai Fekitoa, Shaun Treeby, Patrick Osborne, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Nasi Manu (co-captain), Shane Christie, Elliot Dixon, Joe Wheeler, Jarrad Hoeata, Chris King, Liam Coltman, Kane Hames. Reserves: Ged Robinson, Craig Millar, Ma'afu Fia, Josh Bekhuis, Gareth Evans, Fumiaki Tanaka, Trent Renata, John Hardie.
Sharks: Lwazi Mvovo, JP Pietersen, Paul Jordaan, Frans Steyn, S'bura Sithole, Tim Swiel, Charl McLeod, Keegan Daniel, Jean Deysel, Marcell Coetzee, Stephan Lewies, Willem Alberts, Jannie du Plessis, Bismarck du Plessis (captain), Tendai Mtawarira. Reserves: Kyle Cooper, Dale Chadwick, Lourens Adriaanse, Etienne Oosthuizen, Ryan Kankowski, Stefan Ungerer, Heimar Williams, SP Marais.
