Sharks name depleted side for Lyon trip with 16 players unavailable

The Sharks will face Lyon in France on Saturday for their EPCR Challenge Cup pool-stage opener without 16 unavailable squad members, leaving head coach JP Pietersen to field a largely second-string side in Durban’s defence of a competition they previously won.

Among the absentees are a string of Springbok internationals — Andre Esterhuizen, Bongi Mbonambi, Eben Etzebeth, Makazole Mapimpi, Ox Nche, Thomas du Toit and Trevor Nyakane — stripping the squad of considerable Test-level experience ahead of the trip to France.

Nick Hatton will captain the side from No.8, while former Harlequins lock Stephan Lewies returns to the starting XV after coming off the bench in last week’s URC fixture. Lewies spent seven seasons in England and captained Harlequins for four years before returning to Durban.

There is a timely boost at fly-half, with Jordan Hendrikse recovering from injury in time to start. Ivan van Zyl partners him at half-back, and Manu Tshituka retains his place in the back row, providing some experience in key positions despite the broader absences. Jaco Williams is also back on the right wing.

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

Forwards coach Warren Whiteley acknowledged the dual purpose of the fixture, framing it as both a competitive challenge and a development opportunity.

“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 who 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 XV: 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.