Mostly more of the same for Cardiff

JPP has kept to team that started against Munster except for Ethan Hooker coming back into the team, and Bradley Davids replacing the injured Grant Williams. Jaden Hendrikse has been bracketed with Ross Braude on the bench.

If the team can again bring the defensive and scrumming effort (Cardiff is rated better at the scrum than Munster though) they showed against Munster, it could turn into a tough evening for Cardiff.

Cardiff is the top rated kicking team in the URC as per official URC stats. They have retained 91 out of 410 kicks (22%) compared to the Sharks retaining 70 out of 318 kicks (22%). However they kick a lot more than us. So expect the kicks raining down on our back three. Mapimpi, Penxe and Jordan will have to work hard to assist with the work load. Luan Giliomee was not really targeted with high kicks last week – so he will very likely have a much tougher time this week.

Phatu Ganyane
Fez Mbatha
Hanro Jacobs
Jason Jenkins
Emile van Heerden
Phepsi Buthelezi
Vincent Tshituka
Nick Hatton
Bradley Davids
Jordan Hendrikse
Makazole Mapimpi
Andre Esterhuizen (C)
Ethan Hooker
Yaw Penxe
Luan Giliomee

Replacements

Eduan Swart
Ox Nche
Vincent Koch
Corne Rahl
Jannes Potgieter
Jaden Hendrikse / Ross Braude
Jean Smith
Le Roux Malan

Not available

Aphelele Fassi, Bongi Mbonambi, Bryce Calvert, Ethan Bester, Eben Etzebeth (suspension) Francois Venter, Grant Williams, Jaco Williams, Jurenzo Julius, Lili Bester, Manu Tshituka, Marvin Orie, Matt Romao, Ruan Dreyer, Simphiwe Matanzima, Siya Kolisi, Siya Masuku, Tinotenda Mavesere, Trevor Nyakane