Sharks team for Challenge Cup opener

The Hollywoodbets Sharks open their 2026/27 EPCR Challenge Cup campaign against Lyon in France this weekend.

Nick Hatton captains the side from eighthman. After featuring in last week’s VURC encounter off the bench, Stephan Lewies makes a welcome return to the starting team, after spending seven years abroad playing at Harlequins, bringing outstanding leadership following four years as their club captain.

There is also a welcome return to action for flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse who has recovered from injury at the perfect time, with Jaco Williams also back in the starting XV.

A strong bench will no doubt be called upon to bring energy and determination and the likes of Emile van Heerden, ⁠Tino Mavesere, ⁠Bradley Davids and ⁠Jurenzo Julius can all be relied on for their experience and rugby ability.

For Hollywoodbets Sharks forward coach Warren Whiteley, this is an exciting opportunity in a tournament they hold in high regard.

“We’re excited to be back in Europe, in the EPCR, a competition we place a lot of importance in, having been past winners,” he admits from the team’s new base in Lyon.

“We’re expecting a great game against a physical team, they have a powerful pack and place a lot of importance on the set-piece and have some dangerous backs, they like to throw the ball around too.

“We’re playing on an artificial pitch so there will be times when it’s nice and fast paced, which we’re excited about.

“We’re really keen to see how some of the boys take their opportunities, having put their hands up.”

Hollywoodbets Sharks
1.    Phatu Ganyane
2.    ⁠Ethan Bester
3.    ⁠Hanro Jacobs
4.    ⁠Stephan Lewies
5.    ⁠Deon Slabbert
6.    ⁠Matt Romao
7.    ⁠Manu Tshituka
8.    ⁠Nick Hatton (Captain)
9.    ⁠Ivan van Zyl
10.    ⁠Jordan Hendrikse
11.    ⁠Lili Bester
12.    ⁠Murray Koster
13.    ⁠Suleiman Hartzenberg
14.    ⁠Jaco Williams
15.    ⁠Zekhethelo Siyaya

Replacements:
16.    Esethu Mnebelele
17.    ⁠Cameron Dawson
18.    ⁠Nemo Roelofse
19.    ⁠Emile van Heerden
20.    ⁠Tinotenda Mavesere
21.    ⁠Bradley Davids
22.    ⁠Gianni Lombard
23.    ⁠Jurenzo Julius

The following Hollywoodbets Sharks players are not available for selection this week:
Andre Esterhuizen, Bongi Mbonambi, Eben Etzebeth, Edwill van der Merwe, Ethan Hooker, Fez Mbatha, Jannes Potgieter, Makazole Mapimpi, Ox Nche, Phepsi Buthelezi, PK Sobahle, Simphiwe Matanzima, Thomas du Toit, Trevor Nyakane, Vusi Moyo, Yaw Penxe