The Sharks have welcomed back five Springboks to their squad for Friday’s United Rugby Championship clash against Cardiff at Arms Park, as they look to build on last weekend’s Challenge Cup victory over Lyon.
After resting several key players for the 40-33 win in France, coach JP Pietersen has recalled André Esterhuizen, Ethan Hooker and Edwill van der Merwe to the starting line-up. Front-row forwards Ox Nche and Thomas du Toit will provide cover from the bench.
The Sharks remain without a number of injured Springboks, however, with flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse unavailable despite recently returning to action. Eben Etzebeth, Makazole Mapimpi, Vusi Moyo and Phepsi Buthelezi are also missing.
Gianni Lombard, formerly of the Lions, takes over at flyhalf, with Siya Masuku named as his replacement.
Friday’s contest carries significant weight in the race for the upper reaches of the URC table. Only one log point separates fifth-placed Sharks from Cardiff in sixth, with both teams having won two of their opening three matches.
Sharks forwards coach Warren Whiteley expects a demanding encounter against a side he believes will test them tactically.
“They’re a quality team, tactically very smart and it’s going to be a massive battle,” Whiteley said from the Sharks’ base in Wales.
With both sides seeking to strengthen their early-season positions, the Sharks will hope their returning internationals can provide a timely boost against formidable opposition.
Sharks starting XV: Zekhethelo Siyaya, Edwill van der Merwe, Jurenzo Julius, Andre Esterhuizen (capt), Ethan Hooker, Gianni Lombard, Jaden Hendrikse, Nick Hatton, Manu Tshituka, Matt Romao, Emile van Heerden, Jason Jenkins, Hanro Jacobs, Eduan Swart, Phatu Ganyane.
Bench: Ethan Bester, Ox Nche, Thomas du Toit, Stephan Lewies, Vincent Tshituka, Ivan van Zyl, Siya Masuku, Jaco Williams
