The Stormers are preparing to reintroduce a number of their Springbok stars for Saturday's Investec Champions Cup encounter with La Rochelle in Gqeberha.
Flank Ruan Venter will remain with the Lions until at least June 2028 after signing a three-year contract extension with the Johannesburg-based outfit.
The Sharks' miserable start to the 2025/26 season continued as they were beaten 19-56 by Toulouse in the Champions Cup on Sunday.
Sharks head coach John Plumtree revealed that Eben Etzebeth is reeling in the wake of his 12-match ban but will still be helping out on the training field.
Lions forward coach Julian Redelinghuys says the side has drawn valuable lessons from their heavy United Rugby Championship defeat to Benetton earlier this season, lessons they intend to put to use when the teams meet again in the EPCR Challenge Cup at Ellis Park on Saturday at 15:00.
The Sharks were woeful as they went down 44-17 in their United Rugby Championship clash with Connacht in Ireland on Saturday night.