Sharks fully focused on Cardiff challenge

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 HSharks, both sides having won two of their three matches as they occupy positions five and six on the URC 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.”

Cardiff Rugby head coach Corniel van Zyl said: “We faced the BKT URC champions in our third game of the season and the English champions in our fourth. It’s exposure at the highest level and we have spoken about that being the level we want to measure ourselves.

“It doesn’t matter who wears the jersey, there’s a responsibility and accountability for whoever is in the jersey to leave it in a better place.

“This week, it doesn’t get any easier but we are in a decent place and it’s about putting our best performance on the pitch for 80 minutes.

“The Sharks are a quality team. It’s been well-documented that they have their Springboks coming in. They are the players fans want to see and we want to measure ourselves and test ourselves against the best.

“But ultimately, we are back at Cardiff Arms Park. That’s something that excites everyone, not only the players but the staff, the fans and everyone linked to the club. So there’s a lot of positives and we’re looking forward to a big night.”

Hollywoodbets Sharks starting XV: 15 ⁠Zekhethelo Siyaya, 14 ⁠Edwill van der Merwe, 13 ⁠⁠Jurenzo Julius, 12 ⁠Andre Esterhuizen (capt), 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.

FRIDAY

Cardiff Rugby v Hollywoodbets Sharks

Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff – KO 7.45pm IRE & UK/8.45pm ITA & SA

Referee: Andrea Piardi (FIR, 61st league game)

AR 1: Ben Whitehouse (WRU) AR 2: Carwyn Sion (WRU)

TMO: Stefano Penne (FIR)

Live on: S4C, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv