The Sharks have looked overseas to fill the void at No.9, signing scrumhalf Ivan van Zyl from Saracens.
Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen is adamant he and his charges are relishing the chance to topple Leinster at home at their United Rugby Championship clash on 30 May.
Sharks boss JP Pietersen is feeling positive about the future of the franchise after several youngsters shone brightly at the back end of the United Rugby Championship.
The United Rugby Championship quarterfinals are now confirmed with eight teams from across Ireland, South Africa, Scotland and Wales reaching the playoffs, which take place on 29 and 30 May.
Lions forwards coach Wessel Roux says the team is refusing to get caught up in the complicated Vodacom United Rugby Championship play-off calculations ahead of their final league fixture against Munster in Limerick on Saturday.
Springbok back Ethan Hooker is hoping to be available for the opening Test of the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series against the All Blacks in a little under three months' time.