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Cardiff vs Sharks: five Springboks return for URC clash at the Arms Park

Captain André Esterhuizen, Ox Nché, Thomas du Toit, Ethan Hooker and Edwill van der Merwe are back after being rested for the Challenge Cup win in Lyon.

By RuckBee Newsroom1 min read
A Sharks player crouches low on an artificial pitch at Cardiff Arms Park as teammates in black kit run up behind him.
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The Sharks will have five current Springboks back for Friday 23 October, when they take on Cardiff at Cardiff Arms Park in a URC game that puts fifth on the log against sixth.

André Esterhuizen returns as captain. Edwill van der Merwe, Ethan Hooker, Ox Nché and Thomas du Toit are also back in contention. All five sat out the Sharks' trip to France the previous weekend.

The side that went to France without them still came home with a win. The Sharks beat Lyon 40-33 away on Saturday 17 October in the opening round of the EPCR Challenge Cup, and they left it late: Lilethile Bester scored the winning try after the hooter, from a pass by Zekhethelo Siyaya.

"To go to France, a hostile environment, away from home, and get the victory is special," said Stephan Lewies.

Another artificial pitch

Friday's game will be played on Cardiff's artificial 4G pitch, and the Sharks won in Lyon on a similar surface. SuperSport described the Cardiff pitch as one of the hosts' big weapons.

There is also a South African in the opposition coaching box. Cardiff are coached by Corniel van Zyl, a former Cheetahs lock.

"He’s an astute lineout coach, he’s very smart, and I’ve coached against him the last couple of years," said Warren Whiteley.

Etzebeth still out

Not every Springbok is available. Eben Etzebeth is still working through rehab on the injury he picked up against the Stormers.

The Sharks name their team on Thursday 22 October, and SuperSport has kick-off on Friday at 20.45.

Sources

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