The Hollywoodbets Sharks head into Saturday's URC clash against Munster at Thomond Park without two of their starting midfielders from last week's 36-21 win over Cardiff.
Andre Esterhuizen hobbled off inside the opening minute at Cardiff Arms Park with an ankle injury serious enough to rule him out of the Springboks' away leg of the Nations Championship. Jurenzo Julius, who was arguably the Sharks' standout performer before the break in Cardiff, did not return for the second half with an ankle injury of his own. Both flew back to Durban at the start of the week.
Suleiman Hartzenberg, on loan from the Stormers, has rejoined the touring squad as Julius's replacement after initially flying home following the Challenge Cup win in Lyon, where he was influential in attack at outside centre. Ethan Hooker, who started on the wing against Cardiff before being shifted infield, is another midfield option, as is Murray Koster. Winger Lilethile Bester — who scored twice against Lyon, including the winning try after the hooter — has also rejoined the squad, as has prop Cameron Dawson, called up to cover for Phatu Ganyane, who sustained an elbow injury.
The Sharks carry genuine momentum into the match. The Lyon win was followed by becoming only the second visiting side to beat Cardiff at Cardiff Arms Park in the URC since the start of last season, and the squad has shown consistent commitment and edge across all three tour fixtures. A win in Limerick would set up a strong log position heading into the November international break, with the return derby against the DHL Stormers in Cape Town the first fixture back in December.
Munster will be no straightforward assignment. They took Leinster to within six points in Dublin at the weekend in a result that, despite the narrow loss, will have sharpened their appetite to close out the tour window with a home win.