Esterhuizen leads as Sharks load up for Cardiff clash

Coach JP Pietersen has chosen a team that reflects the important juncture the Hollywoodbets Sharks team has reached in this first phase of their Vodacom URC campaign by loading his match 23 with returning Springboks for Friday night’s clash with Cardiff.

In all eight changes have been made to the team that started last week’s EPCR Challenge Cup win over Lyon in France, with regular captain Andre Esterhuizen returning to take the reins from Nick Hatton, who after his inspiring performance at Stade de Gerland retains his place at No8 as Pietersen continues with the same back row.

The other Springboks that return to the starting team include right wing Edwill van der Merwe and left wing Ethan Hooker, with the two front row Boks Ox Nche and Thomas du Toit playing off the bench this week.

Eduan Swart replaces Ethan Bester at hooker, otherwise it is the same front row that started last week. Bester remains in the match day squad as a member of the replacement’s bench.

Friday night lights 🏉🌆 Your Hollywoodbets Sharks '23' to take on Cardiff 🦈📃 #HollywoodbetsSharks #VodacomURC https://t.co/Ts6nz1WloK — Sharks Rugby Club (@SharksRugby) October 22, 2026

An interesting change on Pietersen’s part comes at flyhalf, where Gianni Lombard starts.

Last week Jordan Hendrikse wore the No10 jersey and he produced a solid performance, but this week he is not in the match day squad, with Siya Masuku back to perform the role of Lombard’s back-up.

Hendrikse’s brother Jaden is back though as the starting scrumhalf, with Ivan van Zyl moving to the bench, while Jurenzo Julius is back at outside centre for Suleiman Hartzenberg.

The fact that the players being replaced contributed to last week’s win is an indication of the new depth that is available to the Sharks.


Jaco Williams drops from the starting team to the bench while last week’s scorer of the winning try, and a brace in the match, Lilethile Bester, is not in the Sharks’ match day squad for a game that sees the fifth placed team after three rounds, the Sharks, pitted against the sixth placed team.

Stephanj Lewies, who was important to the Sharks last week for both his contribution to the endeavour of the pack and his experience, plays off the bench this time, with Emile van Heerden, a reserve last week, back as the starting lock and joined by another experienced player in the second row in the form of Jason Jenkins.

Hollywoodbets Sharks team: Zekhethelo Siyaya, Edwill van der Merwe, Jurenzo Julius, Andre Esterhuizen (captain), Ethan Hooker, Gianni Lombard, Jaden Hendrikse, Nick Hatton, Manu Tshituka, Matt Romao, Emile van Heerden, Jason Jenkins, Hanro Jacobs, Eduan Swart, Phatu Ganyane.

Replacements: Ethan Bester, Ox Nche, Thomas du Toit, Stephan Lewies, Vincent Tshituka, Ivan van Zyl, Siya Masuku, Jaco Williams.