The Sharks will be without six Springboks for Saturday’s Challenge Cup clash against Lyon in France, but assistant coach Warren Whiteley believes their three-month pre-season has given the supporting cast a strong foundation to step up.
Head coach JP Pietersen has named a 28-man touring squad without Springboks Eben Etzebeth, Ethan Hooker, André Esterhuizen, Ox Nche, Edwill van der Merwe and Thomas du Toit, creating opportunities for others to make their mark in European competition.
Whiteley, the former Springbok captain, is backing the depth in the squad to rise to the challenge, with several players returning from injury and some fresh faces adding to the mix.
Among the notable inclusions are lock Stephan Lewies, back for a second stint with the Sharks, and former Stormers back Suleiman Hartzenberg. Jordan Hendrikse, Vincent Tshituka, Emile van Heerden and Jaco Williams have also returned from injury.
The Sharks have settled into France well ahead of the encounter, with Whiteley reporting a smooth journey and favourable weather conditions.
“The travel has gone really smoothly,” Whiteley said from Lyon. “We’ve arrived safely, and the boys have spent most of their time recovering. They had a good flush-out ahead of the afternoon’s field session.
“The weather is pretty hot, and the forecast is very good all the way to the game, so we anticipate no problems in that area.”
Lyon, currently tied sixth in the French Top 14 with three wins from six matches, will provide a formidable test. Whiteley expects a physical encounter against a side with a powerful pack and a strong emphasis on the set-piece.
“We’re obviously very excited to be back in European Cup rugby in Europe. We know Lyon also place a lot of importance on the tournament, having been past winners,” he said.
“They’re a physical team with a powerful pack, and they place a lot of importance on their set-piece. They also have some dangerous backs, and they like to throw the ball around.
“It is also an artificial pitch, on 5G, which means a fast-paced game. We are excited for that.”
For Whiteley, however, the trip is about more than simply coping without the Springboks. It is an opportunity for the Sharks’ next tier of players to show they belong on the European stage.
“I’m really keen to see some guys get an opportunity, some guys putting their hands up. It’s really exciting.”