Sharks welcome back Springbok firepower for URC clash against Cardiff

Esterhuizen, Ethan Hooker and Edwill van der Merwe are back in the starting line-up after serving their mandatory rest last week, while fellow Springboks Ox Nche and Thomas du Toit have been named on the bench.

Head coach JP Pietersen has refreshed his match-day squad following an impressive away victory over Lyon, with the Sharks looking to build on the confidence gained from that result.

Forwards coach Warren Whiteley's side will be looking to maintain their momentum against a Cardiff team also enjoying a strong start to the campaign, with just one log point separating the teams after three rounds.

The Sharks' focus this season is on three key principles, Whiteley explained.

"There are three things we've themed our season on," he said.

"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.”

Friday evening’s match at the legendary Cardiff Arms Park kicks off at 8.45pm.

Sharks - 15 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Andre 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 Nche, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Stephan Lewies, 20 Vincent Tshituka, 21 Ivan van Zyl, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Jaco Williams.