Whiteley backs Sharks’ fresh faces to shine

Sharks forwards coach Warren Whiteley expects a physical battle against Lyon on Saturday, but is eager to see players seize their EPCR Challenge Cup opportunity.

Coach JP Pietersen has named a 28-man squad for the trip to France, with Springboks Vincent Koch, Jason Jenkins, Vincent Tshituka, Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse, and Jaco Williams included. Tshituka, Williams and Jordan Hendrikse are in line to make their first appearances of the season.

However, the Sharks will be without several established Springboks, including captain André Esterhuizen, Edwill van der Merwe, Ethan Hooker, Ox Nché and Thomas du Toit.

Eben Etzebeth, Phepsi Buthelezi, Vusi Moyo and Makazole Mapimpi are also among the listed casualties. Etzebeth, Buthelezi and Moyo all started last week’s URC defeat to the Stormers in Cape Town.

ICYMI: Bongi’s Sharks future in doubt

Whiteley says the Sharks have settled in well after travelling to France and are looking forward to competing in the second-tier European tournament that they won in 2023-24.

“We’ve arrived safely in Lyon and the boys have spent most of their time just recovering,” he said.

“We’re obviously very excited to be back in the EPCR [Challenge Cup], in Europe. We know Lyon also place a lot of importance on the tournament having been past winners [in 2021-22].

“They’re a physical team with a powerful pack and they place a lot of importance on their set-piece, and they also have some dangerous backs and they like to throw the ball around.”

MORE: Champions Cup tackles French TV bias

Despite the challenge, Whiteley believes the clash presents an ideal opportunity for the Sharks’ less-experienced players to make their mark.

“I’m really keen to see some guys get an opportunity, putting their hands up. It’s really exciting.”

#ThrowbackThursday – History made at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium 🏆

We kick off a new chapter in Lyon this week 🇫🇷

#HollywoodbetsSharks #ChallengeCupRugby #BlackWhiteForever https://t.co/nMoSwSSGt4

— Sharks Rugby Club (@SharksRugby) October 15, 2026

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images