Neil Powell has revealed that the Sharks expect to have a contingent of senior players back from injury against the DHL Stormers next month, including Springbok duo Bongi Mbonambi and Vincent Koch.

Following Sunday’s Challenge Cup final-round match against Dragons in Llanelli, the Sharks will enjoy a three-week break before they return to action in the Vodacom URC derby in Durban on February 17.

This will allow the lengthy injury list that has hampered the Sharks’ early-season form to ease, with Springboks Mbonambi and Koch among those expected to be fit to face the Stormers.

“We are lucky that we have quite a few players coming back from injury over the next two to four weeks,” Powell said, during a press conference today. “Vincent Koch is one, Bongi Mbonambi, Dylan Richardson, Vincent Tshituka and Reniel Hugo’s also coming back.

“So, all the injuries we’ve had since the start of the season, will probably be fewer when we come back and prepare for that Stormers match. We should have the majority of our squad back, especially Bongi, Vincent Koch and Vincent Tshituka.”

Mbonambi and Koch are yet to play this season, carrying injuries from their efforts in helping the Springboks win the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The Sharks have struggled with consistency at hooker, with none of Kerron van Vuuren, Fez Mbatha or Dan Jooste making a strong impression in Mbonambi’s absence.

Mbonambi’s earlier-than-expected return from the knee injury he suffered in the world cup final will also be welcomed by the Springboks, as Malcolm Marx continues to be sidelined for the rest of the season.