As the Emirates Lions gear up to face Ulster in their United Rugby Championship encounter at Ellis Park this Saturday, their preparations have been dampened by two significant injury blows.
The Sharks suffered a 34-26 defeat at home to Ulster in a United Rugby Championship clash at Kings Park, leaving a team stacked with Springboks still searching for their first win of the campaign.
The Bulls went down 28-7 to Ulster in the first of their three-match United Rugby Championship tour north on Saturday night.
Australian international prop Angus Bell will join Ulster Rugby next season on a short-term deal from New South Wales Waratahs.
Sharks boss John Plumtree explained why Bok behemoth Eben Etzebeth was forced to withdraw at the 11th hour before their United Rugby Championship match against Ulster on Saturday.
The Sharks would have to wait until the 77th minute to take the lead in a dramatic 22-19 win away over Ulster in the United Rugby Championship on Saturday.