The Sharks are currently in fifth position on the URC standings, and they will be bracing themselves for a big battle against the sixth-placed Cardiff at Cardiff Arms Park after both teams registered two victories in their opening three matches.
Only one log point separates the teams on the standings, but the Durbanites will undoubtedly enter the match with confidence after registering a last-gasp 40-33 victory against LOU Rugby in the EPCR Challenge Cup in France last week.
Cardiff, meanwhile, will be itching to strike back after disappointing defeats in their last two matches against Leinster in the URC and Northampton Saints in the Champions Cup to return to winning ways in their second home match of the season.
The Durban-based side will take comfort from the fact that they have been more effective on attack in the competition scoring 23 more points than the opposition in their first three outings. However, Cardiff have been more efficient on defence, meaning the Sharks will have to convert their chances into points, especially with their enterprising style of rugby this season.
In a boost for the Sharks, five Springboks return to the match 23 for Friday night’s URC clash. André Esterhuizen, Ethan Hooker and Edwill van der Merwe have been named in the starting XV, while props Ox Nche and Thomas du Toit are on the bench.
FOLLOW THE SHARKS’ LIVE SCORING
Cardiff v Sharks
Date: Friday, 23 October 2026
Venue: Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff
SA Time: 20:45
Referee: Andrea Piardi
TV: SuperSport
TEAM LINE-UPS
Cardiff Rugby: Cam Winnett, Josh Adams, Le Roux Malan, Steff Emanuel, Harri Millard, Jarrod Evans, Johan Mulder; Scott Sio, Liam Belcher (CAPT), Javan Sebastian, Josh McNally, Teddy Williams, Alex Mann, James Botham, Taine Basham
Replacements: Evan Lloyd, Danny Southworth, Keiron Assiratti, Tom Manz, Semisi Paea, Aled Davies, Callum Sheedy, Tom Bowen
Sharks: Zekhethelo Siyaya, Edwill van der Merwe, Jurenzo Julius, Andre Esterhuizen (CAPT), Ethan Hooker, Gianni Lombard, Jaden Hendrikse; Phatu Ganyane, Eduan Swart, Hanro Jacobs, Jason Jenkins, Emile van Heerden, Matt Romao, Manu Tshituka, Nick Hatton
Replacements: Ethan Bester, Ox Nche, Thomas du Toit, Stephan Lewies, Vincent Tshituka, Ivan van Zyl, Siya Masuku, Jaco Williams