The Hollywoodbets Sharks face a significant test of their squad depth ahead of Saturday's United Rugby Championship encounter with Munster at Thomond Park, with captain Andre Esterhuizen ruled out after suffering an ankle injury in the opening minute of last weekend's 36-21 victory over Cardiff. Centre Jurenzo Julius also departed the tour squad after sustaining a hamstring problem later in the same match.
Ethan Hooker, who moved from the wing to midfield following Esterhuizen's early exit, is expected to partner Suleiman Hartzenberg in the centres against Munster. The Springbok backed his side's ability to cope with the disruption.
"For me, there is no doubt in my mind," Hooker said. "We have been really working on our depth, and it's a credit to all the younger guys coming through, who really put up their hand when they get a chance. We do have two big losses, but I know without a doubt that the guys coming in to replace them will put their hand up again."
The Sharks have built momentum during their three-match overseas tour, following their EPCR Challenge Cup victory in Lyon with the win in Cardiff that made them only the second side to triumph at Cardiff Arms Park in the URC since the start of last season. Saturday's fixture represents a step up in difficulty, with Munster having pushed Leinster to within six points in Dublin last weekend. The Durban side will be eager to secure a strong position on the log before the November international break, particularly with a return derby against the DHL Stormers in Cape Town awaiting them in early December.