The Sharks appear set to rest Springbok trio Marcell Coetzee, Cobus Reinach and Pat Lambie against the Force this weekend.

The three stars are yet to have a rest this season as part of the agreement between the Sharks and SARU, as the Springboks look to keep their key players fresh ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

Coetzee is the joint-top try scorer in Super Rugby with four so far while Lambie has the second highest points total with 90, only two behind Springbok team-mate Handré Pollard.

“It’s a huge boost that we will have Frans available, it provides massive stability to the team, especially due to the changes we will have with the resting of the Springboks,” assistant coach Paul Anthony told the Sharks website.

“We have to rest Cobus, Marcell and Pat, we have to work in the greater picture of the national team. They allowed us to play them last weekend, so it’s our turn to reciprocate in a sense.”

Anthony added that the loss of Lambie would be a particular blow after his bright start to the season.

“Effectively, the two-week break will be good for him. He’s taking his rest week now which he thoroughly deserves because he’s been magnificent for us. We will miss him but we know the guys coming in will add value.”