The Sharks have thrust Eben Etzebeth straight into the starting lineup for Friday night’s EPCR Challenge Cup last-16 clash against Connacht in Galway.
The Bok lock has completed his 12-week suspension after being found guilty of eye-gouging Wales flanker Alex Mann in Cardiff last November
Coach JP Pietersen has made 13 changes to the Sharks XV following last week’s win over Cardiff.
Despite a mounting injury toll, the Sharks have welcomed back key reinforcements, with Etzebeth headlining a pack that also includes fellow Boks Ox Nché and Vincent Koch.
However, several first-choice players have been left in Durban, including regular captain André Esterhuizen, Siya Kolisi, Bongi Mbonambi and Grant Williams.
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“Injuries test the character of the squad, but it gives the next guy in the squad an opportunity,” Pietersen said. “It’s a test of how you bounce back as a group.”
Nick Hatton leads the side from No 8, while winger Makazole Mapimpi is the only other player retained from last week’s starting lineup.
The inclusion of Edwill van der Merwe adds further firepower out wide, while Vincent Tshituka and Ethan Hooker provide impact off the bench.
“We’ve got some reinforcements back, Eben is now available and hopefully his return is a big help for us,” said Pietersen.
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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 (c), 7 Jannes Potgieter, 6 Tino Mavesere, 5 Deon Slabbert, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Ox Nché.
Bench: 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.
We’re ready for knockout rugby
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— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) April 2, 2026
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
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