Ex-champ Sharks name depleted side for EPCR Challenge Cup trip to France

Former EPCR Challenge Cup winners the Sharks will begin their 2026/27 campaign with a significantly altered squad when they travel to France to face Lyon on Saturday.

The Durban outfit head into the opening pool-stage fixture without a host of Springboks and senior players, with 16 squad members unavailable for selection. Among those missing are Andre Esterhuizen, Bongi Mbonambi, Eben Etzebeth, Makazole Mapimpi, Ox Nche, Thomas du Toit and Trevor Nyakane.

As a result, head coach JP Pietersen has opted for a largely second-string selection.

Nick Hatton will captain the side from No.8, while former Harlequins lock Stephan Lewies returns to the starting XV after making his comeback off the bench in last week’s VURC fixture. The experienced second-rower spent seven seasons in England and served as Harlequins captain for four years before returning to Durban.

There is also a timely boost at fly-half with Jordan Hendrikse recovering from injury to start, while Jaco Williams is back in the run-on side on the right wing.

The Sharks have nevertheless retained some experience in key areas, with Ivan van Zyl partnering Hendrikse at half-back and Manu Tshituka featuring in the back row.

The bench also includes Emile van Heerden, Tinotenda Mavesere, Bradley Davids and Bok prospect Jurenzo Julius.

For forwards coach Warren Whiteley, the trip represents an important opportunity both in terms of the competition and player development.

“We’re excited to be back in Europe, in the EPCR, a competition we place a lot of importance in, having been past winners,” said Whiteley.

“We’re expecting a great game against a physical team, they have a powerful pack and place a lot of importance on the set-piece and have some dangerous backs, they like to throw the ball around too.

“We’re really keen to see how some of the boys take their opportunities, having put their hands up.”

Sharks: 15 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 14 Jaco Williams, 13 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 12 Murray Koster, 11 Lili Bester; 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Ivan van Zyl; 1 Phatu Ganyane, 2 Ethan Bester, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 4 Stephan Lewies, 5 Deon Slabbert, 6 Matt Romao, 7 Manu Tshituka, 8 Nick Hatton (c).

Replacements: 16 Esethu Mnebelele, 17 Cameron Dawson, 18 Nemo Roelofse, 19 Emile van Heerden, 20 Tinotenda Mavesere, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Gianni Lombard, 23 Jurenzo Julius.