Springboks captain Siya Kolisi believes competing in Northern Hemisphere competitions will strengthen South African rugby, especially with the 2023 Rugby World Cup in Europe.
The Sharks' returning Springboks could not inspire them to victory as they fell to a disappointing 32-20 United Rugby Championship defeat against Scarlets in Llanelli.
The Sharks' United Rugby Championship clash with the Scarlets in Wales this weekend is an opportune time to really stake a claim in the quest for a good finish to the pool stages.
The Sharks scored five tries as they came back from an halftime deficit to beat the Griffons 32-16 in their Currie Cup opener in Durban on Saturday.
Saturday's Currie Cup opening clash against the Griffons at Kings Park, looks set to open South Africa's premier domestic rugby tournament on an important note for the Sharks.
The Stormers had to dig deep for their 29-23 URC victory over a gutsy Sharks team in Cape Town on Saturday afternoon, with the visitors launching a late comeback.