DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 13: Eben Etzebeth of the Hollywoodbets Sharks during the Hollywoodbets Sharks training session at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium on March 13, 2026 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images)
Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth and wing Edwill van der Merwe return to a Sharks side otherwise beleaguered with injuries, ahead of their Challenge Cup last-16 match against Connacht on Friday (kick-off 9pm).
The team goes without the services of Boks André Esterhuizen, Siya Kolisi, Grant Williams, Bongi Mbonambi and other frontline players, including all four first-choice fullbacks.
Coach JP Pietersen said injuries necessitated the Sharks’ changes, and it would test their character.
“Injuries give the next guy in the squad an opportunity,” Pietersen said. “It’s a test of how you bounce back as a group.
“We’ve got some reinforcements back, Eben is now available and hopefully his return is a big help for us.”
Nick Hatton remains at eighthman to captain a side that has 13 changes to the starting line-up, although Springboks Ox Nche, Vincent Koch (in the front row), Etzebeth (lock), and wing Edwill van der Merwe will all add experience and presence to the side, along with another Rugby World Cup winner in Makazole Mapimpi who is the only other player to have started for the Sharks in their victory over Cardiff last week.
Vincent Tshituka and Ethan Hooker add further international pedigree off the bench.
Last year, the Sharks fell from the Champions Cup into the second-tier Challenge Cup and fielded a second-string side for their round of 16 clash against Lyon, where they were well beaten in France.
Sharks starting XV
Hakeem Kunene, Edwill van der Merwe, Le Roux Malan, Marnus Potgieter, Makazole Mapimpi, Jean Smith, Ross Braude, Nick Hatton (C), Jannes Potgieter, Tino Mavesere, Deon Slabbert, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Eduan Swart, Ox Nché.
Replacements
Ethan Bester, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Mawande Mdanda, Corne Rahl, Vincent Tshituka, Ceano Everson, Siya Masuku, Ethan Hooker.
Players not considered for selection due to injury:
Aphelele Fassi, Bongi Mbonambi, Bryce Calvert, Coetzee le Roux, Emmanuel Tshituka, Francois Venter, Grant Williams, Jaco Williams, Jaden Hendrikse, Jurenzo Julius, Luan Giliomee, Marvin Orie, Matt Romao, Phepsi Buthelezi, Ruan Dreyer, Simphiwe Matanzima, Siya Kolisi, Thomas Dyer, Trevor Nyakane, Yaw Penxe.
