Sharks boss John Plumtree claimed that the demands of the present schedule had created a ‘bridge too far’ for his squad.
Plumtree said his Springbok internationals were struggling to “get up” for every game and that he had taken a decision to rest many top names.
“I was proud of the boys but we knew it was going to be tough. It was a ‘bridge too far’ for us and it was a good chance to rest a few players.”
The Sharks face home games against the Bulls and the Stormers before a one-week break to be followed by two more Champions Cup games.
Plumtree added: “The aim then is to get the squad b...