A new era as Nick Hatton leads Sharks into URC opener in Durban

Head coach JP Pietersen has selected an exciting matchday 23 that brings together experience, emerging talent and a wealth of big-game knowledge.

Winger Suleiman Hartzenberg and lock Darrien Landsberg will make their first starts in the Sharks'jersey after joining from the Stormers and Lions respectively. Replacements Esethu Mnebelele, Nemo Roelofse and Ivan van Zyl are set for their URC debuts.

Former Junior Springbok flyhalf Vusi Moyo will pull the strings from flyhalf, feeding Murray Koster and Jurenzo Julius outside him. Manu Tshituka and Phepsi Buthelezi flank the scrum that will be spearheaded by Springbok Vincent Koch, Eduan Swart and Phatu Ganyane.

For captain and No.8 Nick Hatton, there is something special about starting the season at home.

"The start of the season is really exciting and playing at home for a change is really cool," he told the Sharks' website.

"All the teams want to start well, whether that's at home or away, but playing at home is super exciting. We have awesome fans and we've missed them, so we're looking forward to playing in front of our home supporters."

"The URC is a long tournament, so squad strength and depth are really important. We've worked really hard during the pre-season and there is competition for places while building a strong squad that can compete in this competition and in Europe.

"Starting well and then just sticking to it is important. We want to be a team that's consistent, a team that trains and performs to a high standard - a Sharks standard that we're driving really hard. We're really excited to implement that on the field now."

Saturday's match between the Sharks and Ospreys at Kings Park kicks off at 4pm.

Sharks - 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Murray Koster, 11 Litelihle Bester, 10 Vusi Moyo, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Nick Hatton (c), 7 Manu Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Phatu Ganyane.

Replacements: 16 Esethu Mnebelele, 17 Nemo Roelofse, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Jason Jenkins, 20 Matt Romao, 21 Ivan van Zyl, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Zekhethelo Siyaya.