The Sharks, who’re in fourth place on the URC standings, will enter Saturday’s Problem Cup knockout match in opposition to Lyon with confidence, with the French outfit at the moment in seventh place on the High 14 standings with 9 wins in 20 matches.
Whereas Lyon have been inconsistent of their High 14 type of late, the Sharks have finished sufficient to ascertain themselves as one of many high URC groups this season by enjoying their method into rivalry to host a attainable quarter-final.
With a number of Springboks inside their ranks, the Sharks will likely be favourites, however they are going to be cautious of the hosts, particularly after having to battle onerous for victories in two of their final three URC matches, and succumbing to a disappointing 10-7 defeat in opposition to Leinster in Durban final week.
All this mixed with the truth that the groups will likely be enjoying for a quarter-final berth, means it may show to be a gripping encounter.
Lyon v Sharks
Date: Sunday, 6 April
Venue: Mamut Stadium de Gerland, Lyon
SA Time: 18h30
Referee: Federico Vedovelli
TV: SuperSport
Problem Cup | Dwell scoring: Sharks v Lyon
Groups
Lyon: 15 Alexandre Tchaptchet, 14 Vincent Rattez, 13 Josiah Maraku, 12 Theo Millet, 11 Monty Ioane, 10 Léo Berdeu, 9 Baptiste Couilloud, 8 Arno Botha (captain), 7 Liam Allen, 6 Dylan Cretin, 5 Mickael Guillard, 4 Theo William, 3 Irakli Aptsiauri, 2 Yanis Charcosset, 1 Hamza Kaabeche.
Replacements: 16 Camille Chat, 17 Jérôme Rey, 18 Valentin Simutoga, 19 Killian Geraci, 20 Maxime Gouzou, 21 Charlie Cassang, 22 Martin Meliande, 23 Alfred Parisien.
Sharks: 15 Hakeem Kunene, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Francois Venter, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Litelihle Bester, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Bradley Davids, 8 Nick Hatton (captain), 7 Jannes Potgieter, 6 Tino Mavesere, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Replacements: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Mwande Madande, 19 Emile van Heerden, 20 Bathobelo Hlakane, 21 Tiaan Fourie, 22 Jean Smith, 23 Jurenzo Julius.
Referee: Federico Vedovelli (Italy)
Assistant referees: Clara Munarini (Italy) & Luca Bisetto (Italy)
TMO: Aled Griffiths (Wales)
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