Sharks vs All Blacks: TV channel, kick-off time and team news

New Zealand continue their Tour of South Africa, dubbed as Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, this evening in Durban as they prepare to face the Sharks.

Dave Rennie’s side opened their tour on Friday, August 7 with a 38-21 victory over the Stormers in Cape Town.

It was a performance that did not overly enamour the All Blacks faithful, with the game tied at 14-14 deep into the second half, before they went through the gears and scored three late tries to make the scoreline look a little more convincing than the performance itself.

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However, they will hope to build on that display as they enter the second of their eight-game tour.

Familiar face in opposition ranks

Facing up against them in tonight's fixture will be a familiar face in Ma’a Nonu.

The 44-year-old centre has been included in the Sharks squad after signing a short-term deal with the United Rugby Championship side.

Nonu won 103 caps, scored 32 tries and lifted two World Cups during his All Blacks career, and is set to feature off the bench against his former international team this evening.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Sharks vs New Zealand.

What time is the Sharks vs New Zealand game?

The URC side host Dave Rennie’s men at Kings Park in Durban on Tuesday August 11, with kick-off at 6pm BST.

Is Sharks vs New Zealand on TV?

All eight fixtures of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series are live on Sky Sports, with tonight’s match available on Sky Sports Action.

South African viewers can watch the fixtures via SuperSport.

Team News

The Sharks may be without their Springboks contingent, but still have plenty of experience to call on.

36-year-old prop Vincent Koch, a two-time World Cup winner, joins former All Black Nonu in the matchday 23.

20-year-old Vusi Moyo starts at fly-half. The highly-rated youngster scored six points on debut in South Africa’s dominant 43-0 victory over Wales during the Nations Championship last month.

Manu Tshituka starts at blindside flanker, while his brother Vincent had to withdraw from the squad after sustaining a head injury in training.

Teenager Zekhethelo Siyaya starts at full-back, despite having made just four URC appearances.

However, he has already caught the eye in limited outings. Described as a “twinkle-toed” full-back, he set a URC record by beating 15 defenders against Edinburgh.

Sharks XV: 1 Nemo Roelofse, 2 Eduan Swart, 3 Vincent Koch; 4 Hendre Stassen, 5 Deon Slabbert; 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Manu Tshituka, 8 Nick Hatton (capt.); 9 Bradley Davids, 10 Vusi Moyo; 11 Litelihele Bester, 12 Murray Koster, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 14 Donavan Don; 15 Zekhethelo Siyaya.

Replacements: 16 Liam van Wyk, 17 Rambo Kubekha, 18 Simphiwe Ngobese, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Matt Romao; 21 Ivan van Zyl, 22 Luan Giliomee, 23 Ma’a Nonu.

As for Rennie’s side, he has made a full 15 changes to the starting XV that beat the Stormers on Friday.

The head coach is still searching for his best combinations ahead of the four tests against the Springboks.

Loose forward Luke Jacobson will captain the side for the first time in Durban, following the absence of Codie Taylor, while Ardie Savea has been rested for this stage of the tour.

Hooker Bradley Slater and back rower Semisi Ta’eiloa have been named among the replacements and could well make their All Blacks debuts this evening.

New Zealand XV: 1 Ethan de Groot, 2 Asafo Aumua, 3 Fletcher Newell; 4 Josh Lord, 5 Sam Darry; 6 Tupou Vaa’i, 7 Luke Jacobson (capt.), 8 Wallace Sititi; 9 Kyle Preston, 10 Ruben Love; 11 Caleb Clarke, 12 Jordie Barrett, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 14 Fehi Fineanganofo; 15 Damian McKenzie

Replacements: 16 Bradley Slater, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Ethan Blackadder, 20 Semisi Ta’eiloa; 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23 Emoni Narawa.