Sharks forwards coach Warren Whiteley expects a physical battle against Lyon on Saturday, but is also excited to see several players seize their opportunity in the EPCR Challenge Cup clash in France.
Coach JP Pietersen has named a squad featuring 17 forwards and 11 backs for the match, with Springboks Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse, Jason Jenkins, Vincent Koch, Vincent Tshituka and Jaco Williams included.
Tshituka, Williams and Jordan Hendrikse are in line to make their first appearances of the season, while the Sharks will be without several established Springboks, including captain André Esterhuizen, Edwill van der Merwe, Ethan Hooker, Ox Nché and Thomas du Toit.
Eben Etzebeth, Makazole Mapimpi, Phepsi Buthelezi and Vusi Moyo are also among the listed casualties. Etzebeth, Buthelezi and Moyo all started last week’s derby defeat by the Stormers in Cape Town.
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Whiteley says the Sharks have settled in well after travelling to France and are looking forward to returning to European competition.
“The travel has gone really smoothly. We’ve arrived safely in Lyon and the boys have spent most of their time just recovering,” he said.
The former Springbok loose forward knows the Sharks will face a stern test against a Lyon side with a strong European pedigree.
“We’re obviously very excited to be back in the EPCR, in Europe. We know Lyon also place a lot of importance on the tournament having been past winners,” Whiteley said.
“They’re a physical team with a powerful pack and they place a lot of importance on their set-piece and they also have some dangerous backs and they like to throw the ball around.”
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Despite the challenge, Whiteley is keen to see how the Sharks’ less-experienced options respond to the occasion.
“I’m really keen to see some guys get an opportunity, some guys putting their hands up. It’s really exciting.”
#ThrowbackThursday – History made at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
We kick off a new chapter in Lyon this week
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— Sharks Rugby Club (@SharksRugby) October 15, 2026
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
The post Whiteley backs Sharks’ fresh faces to shine appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Sharks forwards coach Warren Whiteley expects a physical battle against Lyon on Saturday, but is also excited to see several players seize their opportunity in the EPCR Challenge Cup clash in France.
The post Whiteley backs Sharks’ fresh faces to shine appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
