Sharks bring back 3 Springboks for URC mission against 'quality team'

The Hollywoodbets Sharks have recalled three Springboks for Friday night’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash against Cardiff in Wales, with Andre Esterhuizen returning to captain the side after a mandatory rest period.

Esterhuizen comes straight back into the starting XV alongside wings Ethan Hooker and Edwill van der Merwe, while fellow Springboks Ox Nche and Thomas du Toit have been included among the replacements as head coach JP Pietersen freshens up his matchday 23.

The Durban outfit head into the encounter on the back of an impressive away win over Lyon, a performance that underlined the growing confidence within the squad.

The challenge is expected to be another stern one, with just a single log point separating Cardiff and the Sharks after both teams won two of their opening three URC matches.

Forwards coach Warren Whiteley believes his side will have to be at their best.

“They’re a quality team, tactically very smart and it’s going to be a massive battle,” Whiteley said from the team’s base in Wales.

The former Sharks captain pointed to the key themes underpinning the team’s development this season.

“There are three things we’ve themed our season on.

“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.”

Hollywoodbets Sharks: 15 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (c), 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Gianni Lombard, 9 Jaden Hendrikse; 1 Phatu Ganyane, 2 Eduan Swart, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 4 Jason Jenkins, 5 Emile van Heerden, 6 Matt Romao, 7 Manu Tshituka, 8 Nick Hatton.

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.