Sharks Set for Double Playmaker Boost Ahead of European Challenge Cup Opener vs Lyon
- Sharks head coach JP Pietersen confirmed Jordan Hendrikse and Jaco Williams are both closing in on a return from injury
- The Durban side will open their European Challenge Cup campaign against Lyon, who knocked them out in the Round of 16 in 2025
- Several other key players remain sidelined, with Pietersen offering no comment on Bongi Mbonambi's extended absence
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DURBAN — The Sharks are set to welcome an injection of depth in the playmaking department ahead of their European Challenge Cup campaign, with head coach JP Pietersen confirming that Jordan Hendrikse and Jaco Williams are both on track to feature in the opening fixture.
The Sharks begin their Challenge Cup campaign with an away match against Lyon in France. The tie carries added significance: Lyon, the 2022 Challenge Cup winners, eliminated the Sharks in the Round of 16 during the 2025 edition of the competition.
The Durban outfit, which lifted the trophy in 2024, will look to settle that score.
Hendrikse and Williams closing in on returns
Pietersen confirmed that both Hendrikse and Williams returned to team training this week and are progressing well ahead of the Lyon fixture.
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"Jordan Hendrikse is in his first week back training with the team. He's doing very well and looks on track," Pietersen said, according to Rugby365.
"Jaco Williams is another guy, the same as Jordan — he also came back this week."
The possible returns of Hendrikse and Williams come at a crucial time for the Sharks, who have several players sidelined ahead of their URC derby against the Stormers at DHL Stadium.
The unavailable players include Bongi Mbonambi, Fez Mbatha, Jannes Potgieter, Makazole Mapimpi, PK Sobahle, Simphiwe Matanzima, Trevor Nyakane, Vincent Tshituka and Yaw Penxe. The Sharks head into the coastal showdown at the top of the URC standings.
Mapimpi and Tshituka face longer waits
Pietersen was less optimistic about Vincent Tshituka and Makazole Mapimpi returning.
Tshituka is working through concussion protocols and is not expected to be available until the Munster fixture on 31 October at the earliest, or possibly after the November international break.
"Hopefully, if I'm right, he will be back probably for Munster or after the November break," Pietersen said.
Mapimpi, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, faces a longer absence. Pietersen indicated the Springbok winger is unlikely to return before December, provided his rehabilitation continues without setbacks.
On Bongi Mbonambi, Pietersen declined to elaborate on the No. 2's situation.
"Bongi is obviously not up for selection. There's no comment about Bongi," he said.
The experienced Springbok No. 2 missed most of the 2025-26 season through injury, and Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus stated in August that Mbonambi remained part of his plans at international level.
Sharks make major changes for Stormers derby
Briefly News previously reported that Sharks coach JP Pietersen promoted three Springboks from the bench to the starting XV for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship coastal derby against the Stormers at Cape Town Stadium.
André Esterhuizen will captain the team as both sides bring significant international experience to the encounter.
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Source: Briefly News
