Sharks coach JP Pietersen has brought three of his Springboks back into the starting XV for Friday night’s URC match against Cardiff in Wales, with Andre “The Giant” Esterhuizen back at the helm.
Five of the Sharks’ current six Boks return from their mandatory rest last week, with wings Ethan Hooker and Edwill van der Merwe named on the wings, and front rowers Ox Nche and Thomas du Toit named on the bench.
Eben Etzebeth is unavailable because of a leg injury.
Pietersen has freshened up his match-23 after last week’s epic victory over Lyon. At halfback, Gianni Lombard starts for Jordan Hendrikse and Jaden Hendrikse is in for Ivan van Zyl.
Jurenzo “The Boogey Man” Julius returns at outside centre in place of Suleiman Hartzenberg.
Vicent Tshituka makes his comeback from injury as part of a powerful Bomb Squad — of the eight replacements, only Siya Masuku and Ethan Bester have not played for the Springboks.
Just one log point separates Cardiff from the Sharks, both sides having won two of their three matches as they occupy positions five and six on the URC log.
“Cardiff are a quality team, tactically very smart and it’s going to be a massive battle,” assistant coach Warren Whiteley said.
A hallmark of the Sharks' play against Lyon was their relentless attack and defence.
“There are three things we’ve themed our season on,” Whiteley 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 we want to be the most physical in every area.
“And then it’s the relentlessness factor which speaks to your culture and the values the team holds dear. What’s pleasing 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 team to play Cardiff
15 Zekhethelo Siyaya 14 Edwill van der Merwe 13 Jurenzo Julius 12 Andre Esterhuizen 11 Ethan Hooker 10 Gianni Lombard 9 Jaden Hendrikse 8 Nick Hatton (capt) 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.