Bok stars missing as Sharks unveil European tour squad
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Hollywoodbets Sharks head coach JP Pietersen has named a 28-man squad for the team’s three-match overseas tour, which takes in France, Wales and Ireland over the next three weekends.
With the usual attrition rate associated with a demanding tour, reinforcements will be sent over as the campaign progresses.
These will include the Sharks’ Springboks, who are currently on mandatory rest following a gruelling few months of rugby.
Pietersen will select a EPCR Challenge Cup team from the 28 players named for Saturday’s Group Three clash against Lyon Olympique Universitaire Rugby at the 35,000-seater Stade de Gerland.
*READ: Pietersen counts cost of Bok duo’s injuries in Stormers defeat
The major talking point is the absence of Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth, who suffered a lower-limb injury during the Sharks’ 22-39 defeat to the Stormers at DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
The Sharks confirmed that Etzebeth is awaiting further medical examinations to determine the extent of the injury.
Vusi Moyo and Makazole Mapimpi are the other Springboks not included in squad.
Moyo sustained a shoulder injury during the clash against the Stormers, while Mapimpi remains sidelined with a long-term hamstring injury.
Captain Springbok Andre Esterhuizen, Ox Nche, Thomas du Toit, Ethan Hooker and Edwill van der Merwe are the Springboks on mandatory rest.
There is, however, some positive news for Pietersen, with Vincent Tshituka and Jaco Williams having recovered from their respective injuries and earning places in the touring squad.
Sharks begin European campaign
Lyon, the 2022 Challenge Cup champions, currently sit eighth on the Top 14 log after six rounds. They welcome the 2024 champions, the Hollywoodbets Sharks on Saturday.
Following the Challenge Cup encounter, the Durban-based side will travel to Wales to face Cardiff before heading to Ireland to take on ninth-placed Munster at the end of October.
The clash against Munster will bring the Sharks’ three-match overseas tour to a close.
Sharks 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.
Injury list
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
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