The Sharks will face Cardiff Rugby at Cardiff Arms Park on Friday, 23 October, with both sides looking to strengthen their positions in the United Rugby Championship (URC).
The Durban-based team sits fifth in the standings, while Cardiff occupies sixth place after both sides recorded two victories in their opening three matches. Only one log point separates the teams ahead of their meeting in Wales.
The Sharks will arrive with confidence after securing a dramatic 40-33 victory over LOU Rugby in France in the EPCR Challenge Cup last week.
Cardiff, meanwhile, will be looking to recover from consecutive defeats against Leinster in the URC and Northampton Saints in the Champions Cup. The Welsh side will be aiming to return to winning ways in its second home match of the season.
Attacking Strength Gives Sharks Confidence
The Sharks have made a strong impression in attack during the opening rounds of the URC, scoring 23 more points than their opponents across their first three matches.
Cardiff have been more effective defensively, setting up a contest in which the Sharks will need to convert their scoring opportunities into points.
The Durban side’s attacking approach has been a feature of its performances this season, but Cardiff’s defensive efficiency could make finishing chances particularly important on Friday night.
Five Springboks Return to Sharks Matchday Squad
The Sharks have received a boost ahead of the encounter, with five Springboks included in their 23-man matchday squad.
André Esterhuizen, Ethan Hooker and Edwill van der Merwe have been selected in the starting XV, while props Ox Nche and Thomas du Toit will begin on the bench.
Esterhuizen will captain the Sharks, who have named Zekhethelo Siyaya at full-back and Jaden Hendrikse at scrum-half.
The starting line-up also includes Gianni Lombard, Jurenzo Julius, Phatu Ganyane, Eduan Swart, Hanro Jacobs, Jason Jenkins, Emile van Heerden, Matt Romao, Manu Tshituka and Nick Hatton.
Cardiff Name Experienced Line-Up for Home Encounter
Cardiff will be led by captain Liam Belcher, who starts at hooker in a forward pack featuring Scott Sio, Javan Sebastian, Josh McNally, Teddy Williams, Alex Mann, James Botham and Taine Basham.
Cam Winnett, Josh Adams, Le Roux Malan, Steff Emanuel and Harri Millard have been named in the backline, with Jarrod Evans and Johan Mulder completing the starting team.
Cardiff’s replacements include Evan Lloyd, Danny Southworth, Keiron Assiratti, Tom Manz, Semisi Paea, Aled Davies, Callum Sheedy and Tom Bowen.
Sharks and Cardiff Confirm Matchday Replacements
The Sharks have named Ethan Bester, Ox Nche, Thomas du Toit, Stephan Lewies, Vincent Tshituka, Ivan van Zyl, Siya Masuku and Jaco Williams among their replacements.
The bench includes the returning Springbok props Nche and du Toit, giving the Sharks additional front-row options for the match.
Both teams will have eight replacements available as they prepare for the Friday night encounter.
Cardiff v Sharks: Kick-Off Time and Match Details
The URC fixture will take place at Cardiff Arms Park in Cardiff on Friday, 23 October 2026.
- Kick-off: 20:45 South African time
- Venue: Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff
- Referee: Andrea Piardi
- Broadcast: SuperSport
With the teams separated by just one log point, the result could influence their positions in the early URC standings.
