Overview

• Sharks coach John Plumtree named a 65-man squad and confirmed injuries to Siya Masuku and several locks, noting about nine URC players are unavailable in addition to the Springboks.
• The Sharks open with three away fixtures against Glasgow Warriors, the Dragons and Leinster before returning to Durban.
• The Lions also start with three matches on the road — at Cardiff, Zebre and Benetton — after a previous campaign that faded following a strong opening.
• Bulls and Stormers begin at home before three-game tours, with analysts flagging that an early-season Leinster visit could feature a stronger squad than in past years.
• Sharks depth has been bolstered by Junior Boks and Currie Cup standouts, with new additions and loan players drafted to cover early-season gaps.