The Sharks have departed for a three-match European tour without their Springboks, but coach JP Pietersen has been boosted by the return of several key players from injury.
The Durban side open their tour against Lyon in the Challenge Cup on Saturday (2pm) before travelling to Wales to face Cardiff in the United Rugby Championship. They will finish against Munster in Ireland, also in the URC.
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.
The six went straight into URC action after the Springboks’ match against Australia in Perth, making significant contributions to the Sharks’ victory over Leinster and their subsequent defeat by the Stormers in Cape Town.
They now enter a mandatory rest period ahead of the Springboks’ November European tour, when they will compete in the Nations Championship.
Among the notable inclusions are lock Stephan Lewies, back for a second stint with the Sharks and in line to make his first appearance since returning, and former Stormers back Suleiman Hartzenberg.
The Sharks are also boosted by the return from injury of Vincent Tshituka, Jordan Hendrikse, Emile van Heerden and Jaco Williams.
Hendrikse’s return is particularly timely, with flyhalf Vusi Moyo sidelined by a shoulder injury sustained against the Stormers.
Moyo joins Phepsi Buthelezi, Fez Mbatha, Hendre Stassen, Makazole Mapimpi and Yaw Penxe on the injury list.
Pietersen announced a 67-player squad before the season began, giving the Sharks considerable depth to call on while the touring party is away. With the physical demands of three matches in three weeks likely to take their toll, reinforcements could be sent over as the tour progresses.
Pietersen will select his team to face Lyon from the 17 forwards and 11 backs in the touring group.
Lyon, Challenge Cup champions in 2022, are eighth in the French Top 14 after six rounds. They will host the 2024 Challenge Cup winners at the 35,000-capacity Stade de Gerland on Saturday in a Pool 3 encounter.
Sharks tour squad
Forwards: Cameron Dawson, Deon Slabbert, Eduan Swart, Emile van Heerden, Esethu Mnebelele, Ethan Bester, Hanro Jacobs, Jason Jenkins, Manu Tshituka, Matt Romao, Nemo Roelofse, Nick Hatton, Phatu Ganyane, Stephan Lewies, Tinotenda Mavesere, Vincent Koch, Vincent Tshituka.
Backs: Bradley Davids, Gianni Lombard, Ivan van Zyl, Jaco Williams, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Jurenzo Julius, Litelihle Bester, Murray Koster, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Zekhethelo Siyaya.