Sharks name team to face Cardiff

The Hollywoodbets Sharks are back in Vodacom United Rugby Championship action this weekend with a fourth-round clash against Cardiff in Wales on Friday evening.

Head coach JP Pietersen has brought three of his Springboks back into the starting XV following their mandatory rest last week, Andre Esterhuizen returning as captain with Ethan Hooker and Edwill van der Merwe named on the wings, and front rowers 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 Hollywoodbets Sharks, both sides having won two of their three matches as they occupy positions five and six on the VURC 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 Hollywoodbets Sharks play against Lyon was just how relentless they were on attack and particularly 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.”

Hollywoodbets Sharks
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
9.    Jaden Hendrikse ⁠
10.    Gianni Lombard ⁠
11.    ⁠Ethan Hooker
12.    ⁠Andre Esterhuizen (C)
13.    ⁠⁠Jurenzo Julius
14.    ⁠Edwill van der Merwe
15.    ⁠Zekhethelo Siyaya

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

The following Hollywoodbets Sharks players are not available for selection:
Bongi Mbonambi, Eben Etzebeth, Fez Mbatha, Jannes Potgieter, Jordan Hendrikse, Makazole Mapimpi, Phepsi Buthelezi, Simphiwe Matanzima, Trevor Nyakane, Vusi Moyo, Yaw Penxe