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LIVE
34'
LIVE
34'
LIVE
31'
Saturday
21:00
Saturday
21:45
Saturday
22:00
Sunday
16:00
Sunday
22:05

Sharks suffer late injury blow ahead of Munster clash

By Leezil Hendricks
Saturday 31 Oct 2026
CARDIFF, WALES - OCTOBER 23: Sharks huddle during the United Rugby Championship match between Cardiff Rugby and Hollywoodbets Sharks at Cardiff Arms Park on October 23, 2026 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Kian Abdullah/Gallo Images)

TEAM UPDATE: The Sharks have been dealt a late injury blow, forcing a reshuffle to their loose trio just hours before their United Rugby Championship clash against Munster on Saturday.

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The Durban-based side confirmed that Matt Romao has been ruled out of the Round Five encounter due to injury.

Tino Mavesere has been called into the starting line-up as Romao’s replacement, taking over at openside flank.

The late change will force the Sharks to adjust their forward combination as they prepare for a crucial encounter against the Irish province.

Sharks – revised: 15 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 12 Ethan Hooker, 11 Jaco Williams, 10 Gianni Lombard, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Nick Hatton (captain), 7 Manu Tshituka, 6 Tino Mavesere 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Ethan Bester, 1 Ox Nche
Replacements: 16 Esethu Mnebelele, 17 Cameron Dawson, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Stephan Lewies, 20 Vincent Tshituka, 21 Ivan van Zyl, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Litelihle Bester

Date: Saturday, October 31
Venue: Thomond Park, Limerick
Kick-off: 17.30 GMT (19.30 SAST)
Referee: Ben Connor (WRU)
Assistant referees: Peter Martin (IRFU) & Kevin Beakey (IRFU)
TMO: Aled Griffiths (WRU)

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