The Sharks' miserable start to the 2025/26 season continued as they were beaten 19-56 by Toulouse in the Champions Cup on Sunday.
Sharks head coach John Plumtree revealed that Eben Etzebeth is reeling in the wake of his 12-match ban but will still be helping out on the training field.
Lions forward coach Julian Redelinghuys says the side has drawn valuable lessons from their heavy United Rugby Championship defeat to Benetton earlier this season, lessons they intend to put to use when the teams meet again in the EPCR Challenge Cup at Ellis Park on Saturday at 15:00.
The Sharks were woeful as they went down 44-17 in their United Rugby Championship clash with Connacht in Ireland on Saturday night.
The Stormers preserved their flawless United Rugby Championship campaign with a stirring 27-21 victory over Munster at Thomond Park on Saturday.
The Lions secured their fourth win in this season's United Rugby Championship campaign after a 43-33 bonus-point victory against the Bulls at Loftus on Saturday.