Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen is under no illusions of the task that lies ahead of him and his team as they take on Munster in Round 7 of the United Rugby Championship on Saturday.
Springbok Marcel Coetzee will lead the Bulls when they return to league action on Saturday in Connacht, Ireland.
Scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies will be released from his contract with the Stormers at the end of the current season to take up an offer to play in France.
The new dates for the two opening-round URC derbies involving the four South African teams, which were postponed to avoid a clash with the Currie Cup final, have been confirmed.
Cameron Hanekom described the last week with the Springboks in Jersey as a "dream come true", adding that he was surprised by his call-up.
Sharks head coach John Plumtree has praised his team's recent form but emphasized the importance of being realistic about their reliance on Springbok players.