Rising Star Hatton Captains Young Sharks As Top Springboks Rested For Lyon Challenge Cup Playoff

The Sharks have withheld the bulk of their first-choice players for their trip to Lyon on Sunday 6.30pm kick-off, and it will be an accomplishment of note if they win this Challenge Cup last-16 playoff.

The only two players from last weeks starting line-up against Leinster to continue are Andr Esterhuizen at centre and Yaw Penxe, who moves from fullback to wing.

Lock Emile van Heerden and centre Jurenzo Julius started in the disappointing 10-7 loss to the Irishmen at the Shark Tank, and will be on the bench in the southern French city.

The almost complete overhaul of the team suggests the Sharks have put their eggs into the United Rugby Championship basket.

They will put their foot on the accelerator to achieve maximum points in their last four league games against Edinburgh away, Ulster away and then at home to the Welsh teams Ospreys and Scarlets.