The Sharks' EPCR conundrum

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SPOTLIGHT: One of the Sharks' Springbok stars says they are committed to defending their Challenge Cup title after exiting the Champions Cup.

But they need to get past powerhouse Lyon away from home first.

The Sharks face the French giants at Stade Gerland on Sunday.

After finishing fifth in their Champions Cup pool stage and being given a new lease of life in the Challenge Cup, the Sharks now get the chance to defend the title they won last year.

But a trip to a Lyon side that has won five of their last seven in all competitions, as well as three of four Challenge Cup pool stage games, won't be easy for the Sharks.

If the unpredictable Sharks can grab an unlikely win in Lyon and get to play the quarterfinal away, at least they would stay in Europe.

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While the Sharks have been very successful in the United Rugby Championship this season, it seems John Pumtree's men are more preoccupied with the URC than defending their title.

Not so, Mbonambi told EPCR in an exclusive interview.

"For me, the Challenge Cup means a lot. We put all our energies and focus into winning it last year. We definitely want to defend our title, but we know it's not going to be easy," Mbonambi said.

Overcoming Gloucester 36-22 in a memorable Final last year, the hooker is eyeing up a second in as many years.

Mbonambi was full of praise for Lyon ahead of their Round of 16 match this weekend.

"From all the games we've seen, they're doing very well," said the back-to-back World Cup winner.

"They've got explosive loose forwards. They pride themselves in mauling and scrumming, they've got explosive backs, good centres, their wingers run the whole time, so it's going to be a tough game."

Coming into the Round of 16 off the back of a tight loss at home to Leinster in the URC last weekend, Mbonambi realises that his Sharks will have to find extra bite if they are to overcome the test that a renowned LOU pack brings.

"We're definitely going to have to step it up and take our opportunities," he added.

"We know that it's never easy playing in France because they bring it when it comes to the forwards' play and their forward pack is quite strong."

And packed with world-class experience and talent, Lyon will have to overcome the likes of Siya Kolisi, the Hendrikse brothers, and Mbonambi himself.

One blessing in disguise after exiting the Champions Cup at the pool stages is that the Sharks have the chance to defend their Challenge Cup title from last year.

And as if they needed any more motivation, the Millennium Stadium is lined up for the Final - a stage that Mbonambi is all too familiar with from his time with the Springboks and an experience that is motivating the whole squad:

"It's an amazing stadium. It gives the game an amazing feel. For the youngsters who haven't played there, it's something worth experiencing."

Mbonambi was quick to pay tribute to the Sharks fans who have helped the side get as far as they have.

With rugby being an integral part of life in South Africa, the hooker explained how much it would mean for them to be back in another final.

"Rugby's part of the culture. It's one of our major sports," he said.

"Whenever it's played, wherever it's played, fans come through and you can really see the passion of the fans."

Source @EPCR