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Etzebeth returns for reshuffled Sharks

By Angus Opperman
Thursday 2 Apr 2026

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks head coach JP Pietersen named a mixture of young and experienced players for their Challenge Cup Round of 16 clash against Connacht.

Bok lock Eben Etzebeth returns after his 12-match suspension for an eye gouge on Wales’ Alex Mann in 2025 and will partner Deon Slabbert at lock.

Eduan Swart is named at hooker with Bok props Ox Nche and Vincent Koch beside him to complete the tight five.

Nick Hatton will skipper the side from No.8 with Tino Mavesere and Jannes Potgieter as the flankers.

Ross Braude and Jean Smith form the halfback combination, with Marnus Potgieter and Le Roux Malan named as the centre pairing.

The back three consists of Bok wingers Edwill van der Merwe and Makazole Mapimpi, with Hakeem Kunene named at fullback.

The bench features Boks Vincent Tshituka and Ethan Hooker, named as loose forward and utility back respectively, alongside Junior Bok Ceano Everson and Siya Masuku as the replacement halfbacks.

Sharks: 15 Hakeem Kunene, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Le Roux Malan, 12 Marnus Potgieter, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jean Smith, 9 Ross Braude, 8 Nick Hatton (captain), 7 Jannes Potgieter, 6 Tino Mavesere, 5 Deon Slabbert, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Ox Nche
Replacements: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 18 Mawande Mdanda, 19 Corné Rahl, 20 Vincent Tshituka, 21 Ceano Everson, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Ethan Hooker

Date: Friday, April 3
Venue: Dexcom Stadium, Galway
Kick-off: 20.00 (21.00 SAST; 19.00 GMT)
Referee: Sam Grove-White (Scotland)
Assistant referees: Ru Campbell (Scotland), Rob McDowell (Scotland)
TMO: Mike Adamson (Scotland)

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