The Hollywoodbets Sharks have named a virtual second-string team to face Lyon in their EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 match on Sunday.
The move underlines the fact that the Sharks want to concentrate more on their Vodacom United Rugby Championship campaign than trying to defend the Challenge Cup title they won last year.
The side is virtually unrecognisable from last week, but still had a number of top players in it.
Still, with reports this week that the Sharks would be sending a second-string side to France, it was inevitable that this selection was going to take the field while many of the Springboks in their outfit rest for their URC tour that will determine where they finish at the end of the regular season.
NEXT GAME ⏭️#ChallengeCup #LYOvSHA pic.twitter.com/05K1ChzgS7
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) April 1, 2025
Youngster Hakeem Kunene gets arun at fullback, as does SA under-20 winger Litelihle Bester, while Gerbrandt Grobler returns to action from injury in another positive for them.
The side is captained by their Currie Cup captain Nick Hatton, and sees Andre Esterhuizen partner with Francois Venter in the midfield, while Siya Masuku partners Bradley Davids at halfback.
There are no signs of the World Cup winning front row, but Bok loosehead Ntuthuko Mchunu heads a front row with veteran Ruan Dreyer and Fez Mbatha at hooker. Corne Rahl partners Grobler in the second row while the effervescent Tino Mavesere headlines the loose trio with Jannes Potgieter and Hatton.
Interestingly the bench has a very young look about it, with Jurenzo Julius the only outside back that has played regularly this season.
Hollywoodbets Sharks: Hakeem Kunene; Yaw Penxe, Francois Venter, Andre Esterhuizen, Litelihle Bester; Siya Masuku, Bradley Davids; Nick Hatton (captain), Jannes Potgieter, Tino Mavesere, Gerbrandt Grobler, Corne Rahl, Ruan Dreyer, Fez Mbatha, Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Replacements: Ethan Bester, Dian Bleuler, Mwande Madande, Emile van Heerden, Bathobelo Hlakane, Tiaan Fourie, Jean Smith, Jurenzo Julius.