Sharks coach John Plumtree has named a strong team to play against John Smit's World XV team, known as Barney's Army on Friday at Kings Park in Durban.

The Sharks are missing ten players who are away on Springbok duty while Fred Michalak is playing for France so a full string team was not an option.

Coach Plumtree has selected players where it has been possible who have been playing Super Rugby so when the Springbok players return all of his players should be match fit.

"We see this as an opportunity for some young players, while for the guys playing Super Rugby, it's important because there isn't a lot of rugby this month and as far as rugby preparation for the Bulls game in a few weeks' time goes, this game is important for these guys to get 80 minutes under the belt," explains Plumtree.

"Although the game will probably be played in a friendly spirit, hopefully there will be some really good intensity and flow in the game so we can get a good work out."

Jean Deysel will captain the side alongside two young loosies, Lubabalo Mtembu and Francois Kleinhans who has played for the Sharks in Currie Cup rugby.

Craig Burden will enjoy a start in between props Dale Chadwick and Wiehahn Herbst while Jandre Marais and Anton Bresler are pressed into second row duty.

Charl McLeod is in his familiar scrumhalf position, partnering Riaan Viljoen who has been selected at flyhalf. Meyer Bosman and Tim Whitehead form the centre pairing with an exciting back three consisting of S'Bura Sithole, Odwa Ndungane and Louis Ludik.

Kick off is at 7.05pm on Friday night.

Sharks

1. Dale Chadwick 2. Craig Burden 3. Wiehahn Herbst 4. Jandre Marais 5. Anton Bresler 6. Francois Kleinhans 7. Jean Deysel (Captain) 8. Lubabalo Mtembu 9. Charl McLeod (VC) 10. Riaan Viljoen 11. S'Bura Sithole 12. Meyer Bosman 13. Tim Whitehead 14. Odwa Ndungane 15. Louis Ludik

Replacements 16. Kyle Cooper 17. Julian Redelinghuys 18. Peet Marais 19. Chris Cloete 20. Cobus Reinach 21. Gouws Prinsloo 22. Rosko Specman