Springbok-less Sharks versus wounded Lions adds up to juicy URC clash at Ellis Park

The timing of the announcement of JP Pietersen as head coach of the Sharks has raised eyebrows because, instead of waiting until later in the season, it arrived on the eve of two very tough visits to the Highveld for the Durbanites, starting today against the Lions at Ellis Park, followed by a trip up the road to the Bulls in Pretoria. That is quite some baptism for Pietersen, who no longer has the free pass of being the “interim” coach plus this fortnight he is bereft of his resting Springboks. No inspirational captain in Andre Esterhuizen, no lethal attacker in Ethan Hooker, scrum spearhead Ox Nche is absent, as is...