Sharks squad set for grueling overseas tour

Hollywoodbets Sharks head coach JP Pietersen has selected a 28-man squad that leaves this week for his team’s three overseas matches taking place in France, Wales and Ireland over the next three weekends.

With the usual attrition rate associated with a highly competitive tour such as this, there will be reinforcements sent over as the tour goes on, including the Sharks Springboks, who are on mandatory rest after a grueling few months of rugby.

Pietersen will select his EPCR Challenge Cup team from the 17 forwards and 11 backline players named for Saturday’s Group Three clash with Lyon Olympique Universitaire Rugby at the 35 000-seater Stade de Gerland on Saturday.

Lyon, the Challenge Cup champions in 2022 currently sitting in eighth place on the Top 14 log after six rounds, host the 2024 champions, the Sharks on Saturday at 2pm.

Following this match, the Durban side head to Wales to take on Cardiff in the Vodacom URC, followed by a trip to Ireland to take on ninth-placed Munster at the end of October to conclude the tour.

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

INJURED PLAYERS

Eben Etzebeth - Lower limb injury - awaiting a further medical examination to determine the extent of the injury

Fez Mbatha - Lower limb injury

Hendre Stassen - Tendon injury

Makazole Mapimpi - Hamstring injury

Phepsi Buthelezi - Shoulder injury

Vusi Moyo - Shoulder injury

Yaw Penxe - Peck injury