The Sharks traveled to France on Monday night without Springboks lock Eben Etzebeth and Makazole Mapimpi.

The Sharks are set to face Bordeaux Bègles in their final Investec Champions Cup pool match at Stade Chaban-Delmas on Sunday. Following the match, they will travel across the English Channel to play Cardiff in a Vodacom United Rugby Championship fixture the following Saturday.

Coach John Plumtree has named a 28-man squad for the mini-tour, comprising 16 forwards and 12 backs.

Lukhanyo Am, the Sharks’ captain, has traveled with the squad for the Investec Cup match.

Notable absentees from the trip include tighthead prop Vincent Koch and wing Mapimpi, both of whom failed Head Injury Assessments during the Toulouse clash this past weekend.

Andre Esterhuizen and Aphelele Fassi, two influential international players in the backline, are also missing after sitting out the game against Antoine Dupont’s Toulouse.

On a positive note, flanker James Venter has returned from injury, allowing the Sharks to potentially field their strongest back row, featuring Venter at openside flank, Vincent Tshituka at blindside, and Siya Kolisi at number eight.

Despite the loss to defending champions Toulouse at Kings Park Stadium, the Sharks remain fourth in Pool 1 with five points after three matches.

SQUAD:

Backs: Bradley Davids, Eduan Keyter, Ethan Hooker, Francois Venter, Grant Williams, Hakeem Kunene, Jaden Hendrikse, Jurenzo Julius, Lithelihle Bester, Lukhanyo Am, Siya Masuku, Yaw Penxe.

Forwards: Bongi Mbonambi, Corne Rahl, Dylan Richardson, Ethan Bester, Hanro Jacobs, James Venter, Jason Jenkins, Lappies Labuschagne, Manu Tshituka, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Ox Nche, Phepsi Buthelezi, Ruan Dreyer, Siya Kolisi, Trevor Nyakane, Vincent Tshituka.

Makazole Mapimpi of the Hollywoodbets Sharks during the Hollywoodbets Sharks Investec Champions Cup Training. Wednesday 8th January 2025 at the Hollywoodbets kings Park stadium Durban South Africa. Mandatory Credit © (Steve Haag Sports)