Siya Kolisi will lead the Sharks in their United Rugby Championship clash with Zebre Parma at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is preparing for a bumper Springbok season that features 15 Tests, including four blockbuster away fixtures.
Siya Kolisi's influence as Springbok captain has been so profound that it even changed Rassie Erasmus' perspective on the role - a shift the Bok coach openly acknowledged this week.
The Sharks head into this weekend's first of two consecutive United Rugby Championship clashes with the Lions in high spirits as they look to continue their fine form.
The Springboks will get the wheels in motion for the 2025 season when 56 domestic players meet for a three-day alignment camp in Cape Town next month.
With the completion of the Champions Cup pool stages, the Sharks' focus now shifts to the United Rugby Championship and week 10 action which resumes this weekend after a three-week break.