Relentless Sharks add some serious Bok muscle for Cardiff face-off
The Sharks return to the United Rugby Championship this weekend with a fourth-round clash against Cardiff in Wales on Friday.
Coach JP Pietersen has brought three of his Springboks back into the starting XV, following their mandatory rest in the sensational win over Lyon last week.
Andre Esterhuizen return as captain, with Ethan Hooker and Edwill van der Merwe named on the wings.
Front row forwards and Ox Nche and Thomas du Toit named on the bench, having freshened up his match 23 for this game.
The team come off an impressive away victory against Lyon, and the growth and self-belief are tangible and given the addition of Bok power to the team for this weekend, look in great and competitive shape.
For forwards coach Warren Whiteley, the challenge that lies ahead is worthy of the enormity of the task that faces his team.
Just one log point separates Cardiff from the Sharks, both sides having won two of their three matches as they occupy positions five and six on the URC log.
“They’re a quality team, tactically very smart and it’s going to be a massive battle,” Whiteley explained from the team’s base in Wales.
A hallmark of the Sharks’ play against Lyon was just how relentless they were on attack and, particularly in defence, pressure forcing uncharacteristic errors from the French players, and this is one of a trio of growth points being driven this season.
“There are three things we’ve themed our season on,” he explained.
“One was being fast, quicker and more conditioned than we’ve ever been before, and we’ve seen some unbelievable positives in that area.
“Second was about being physical. We know rugby is a physical game, and in each and every area of the game we want to be the most physical.
“And then it’s the relentless factor which speaks to your culture and the values the team holds dear.
“What’s pleasing for us is that we’re starting to see that, and a lot of it comes from caring for each other and believing in each other.
“It was fantastic to see it last week, and we just want to keep growing together and connecting, getting closer as a group.
“And when we play, we want to see that identity come through, being fast, physical and relentless.”
Meanwhile, Bongi Mbonambi (suspended), Eben Etzebeth, Fez Mbatha, Jannes Potgieter, Jordan Hendrikse, Makazole Mapimpi, Phepsi Buthelezi, Simphiwe Matanzima, Trevor Nyakane, Vusi Moyo and Yaw Penxe (all injured) are still not available for selection.
Sharks: 15 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 André Esterhuizen (captain), 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Gianni Lombard, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Nick Hatton, 7 Manu Tshituka, 6 Matt Romao, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Phatu Ganyane.
Replacements: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Ox Nché, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Stephan Lewies, 20 Vincent Tshituka, 21 Ivan van Zyl, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Jaco Williams.
Date: Friday, October 23
Venue: Arms Park, Cardiff
Kick-off: 19.45 (20.45 SA time; 18.45 GMT)
Referee: Andrea Piardi
Assistant referees: Ben Whitehouse, Carwyn Sion
TMO: Stefano Penne
