Lewies believes Sharks are growing stronger with every challenge

The Durban side snatched victory in the closing moments of a thrilling encounter at Stade de Gerland, after Lyon appeared to have rescued a draw through a late try by scrumhalf Baptiste Couilloud.

Paddy Jackson’s successful conversion brought the scores level at 33-all, but the Sharks responded immediately, with Bester crossing out wide before Jordan Hendrikse added the extras to secure the seven-point victory.

Lewies believes coming through such closely contested matches will strengthen the team’s character and help build confidence within the squad.

"In Europe, going to a place like Lyon and getting a victory is awesome, especially because we had quite a young bunch of players. I pushed up the average age a little bit, but I think those are the games where you grow as a team. You gain confidence from them, and it's always nice to learn from games and improve from them, reviewing and learning from it when you've won rather than when you've lost," said Lewies.

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Lewies has also praised the determination shown by the younger players, saying their refusal to give up has become an encouraging feature of the team’s performances.

He believes that fighting spirit will be equally important when the Sharks return to United Rugby Championship (URC) action against Cardiff at the Arms Park on Friday night.

The Welsh side’s artificial 4G pitch presents a different challenge for visiting teams, but Lewies is confident the Sharks can adapt after overcoming Lyon on a similar playing surface.

The 34-year-old lock is enjoying his return to familiar surroundings after spending seven seasons in England with Harlequins.

Lewies, who previously represented the Sharks before moving abroad, has reunited with the Durban franchise at a different stage of his playing career, bringing valuable experience gained in European rugby.

He says returning to KwaZulu-Natal has been particularly meaningful, having started his professional journey with the Sharks, and is grateful for the opportunity to represent the province once again.

Lewies, who made his solitary Springbok Test appearance against Scotland in 2014, believes the Sharks have an exciting group of young players capable of making a significant contribution to the team’s future.

The experienced forward says their enthusiasm has brought a fresh dimension to the squad, while his own role now includes sharing lessons from his career and helping the next generation develop.

 The Sharks are expected to name their matchday squad on Thursday ahead of Friday night’s United Rugby Championship encounter against Cardiff at the Arms Park, with kick-off scheduled for 20:45 South African time.