Bok-boosted Sharks to build on Lyon win

Cardiff are coached by South African Corniel van Zyl, whose background as a former lock makes him particularly knowledgeable in the lineout department. Whiteley believes the battle for possession at the set pieces could prove decisive.

"A quality team, and we know Corniel has a lot of experience when it comes to the set-piece, especially the lineout. He is an astute lineout coach and he is very smart. I have coached against him in the last couple of years, so it's going to be a massive battle. That will be one of the big areas of the game. The set-piece will be huge, and they are also tactically a very smart team," said Whiteley 

READ: Lewies believes Sharks are growing stronger with every challenge

Whiteley also reflected on the impact of former second-rower Hyron “Ice” Andrews, who died in France on Friday following a suspected cardiac arrest. The news came ahead of the Durban side’s European Challenge Cup encounter against Lyon, which the Sharks went on to win 40-33. Andrews spent a decade at the franchise between 2014 and 2024, becoming a respected figure within the squad. Whiteley says the victory carried added significance as the players looked to honour the memory of someone who had given so much to the Sharks. 

"I speak on behalf of everyone here. He made a massive impact here at the Sharks, and we all knew and loved him. He was just an amazing guy. I played against him; I also coached him. He was just a wonderful individual, always willing to learn. The boys enjoyed him; he was a 'spaanman' as they say, always a team guy with such a lovely family."

The Sharks have received a welcome boost ahead of their encounter with Cardiff, with several Springboks linking up with the squad in Wales. André Esterhuizen, Edwill van der Merwe, Ethan Hooker, Ox Nché and Thomas du Toit were all given a break during Saturday’s 40-33 Challenge Cup victory over Lyon. The Durban outfit also had to manage a number of injury concerns, with Eben Etzebeth, Phepsi Buthelezi, Vusi Moyo and Makazole Mapimpi among those unavailable for the European fixture. Whiteley has confirmed the arrival of the returning internationals as the Sharks prepare for another demanding assignment on the road.