Van der Merwe takes the poor kick well in the air. Knock on by Zeilinga, scrum to the Sharks.

The Sharks secure the restart. Williams carries close to the ruck. Du Toit crashes it up. Williams box kicks out of his 22.

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“We know the Lions are full of intensity, but with that comes mistakes and one thing we’ve looked after is being able to capitalise on opportunities that we receive,” said Fassi.

Springbok centre Lukhanyo Am will lead a Cell C Sharks team featuring a Test-laden backline – which includes fullback Aphelele Fassi.

Both the Emirates Lions and Cell C Sharks will be looking to pick up where they left off in 2021 when they cross paths at Emirates Airline Park after registering victories in their last round of matches – the wins marking the second each for the sides in their five encounters to date.

Emirates Lions Head Coach Ivan van Rooyen: "It’s great to be back for URC action especially on our home turf at Emirates Airline Park. It’ll be our first URC fixture at home since the campaign started so we’re pretty excited about that. We are pleased to have Pieter back. He was great for us on tour before injury halted his momentum. He’s trained really well over the past few weeks, and he is eager to get stuck in again. It’s unfortunate to lose Vincent due to an injury setback, but the opportunity now presents itself for Ruhan to come in and do the job for us in concert with Jaco Kriel and Francke Horn.“

Ben Tapuai will make his Cell C Sharks debut at inside centre.

Burger Odendaal will captain Emirates Lions today