The Sharks produced a clinical finish at Cardiff Arms Park, scoring six tries to secure a valuable away win. However, the result was overshadowed by an injury concern involving Springbok captain André Esterhuizen, who was forced off in the opening minute after apparently injuring his ankle during an aerial contest. He was later seen on crutches with his right foot in a moon boot.

Despite the early setback, the visitors made an immediate impact on attack. Jurenzo Julius broke through Cardiff’s defensive line before setting up Ethan Hooker for the opening try in the second minute.

Cardiff responded through Josh Adams, who finished in the corner after Le Roux Malan sliced through the Sharks’ defence.

The Sharks thought they had scored again through Zekhethelo Siyaya, but the try was ruled out following a knock-on in the build-up. Matt Romao soon crossed for the visitors’ second try before lock Jason Jenkins powered over from a driving maul to give the Sharks a 17-7 half-time lead.

Cardiff fought back after the break, with James Botham scoring twice to put the hosts 21-17 ahead in the 58th minute.

André Esterhuizen being help off following a knee injury - X

The Sharks, however, showed their resolve. Thomas du Toit scored from another powerful driving maul to secure the bonus point before Ethan Bester crossed in the 74th minute. Romao then completed his brace to seal a convincing victory.

Julius was a constant threat with ball in hand, while Romao’s finishing proved crucial as the Sharks ended their losing run.

Meanwhile, in Scotland, Edinburgh maintained their unbeaten start to the URC season with a commanding 31-10 win over the Lions at Hive Stadium.

Head Coach, Corniel van Zyl, spoke with the media following tonight's loss to the Sharks. #YmlaenCaerdydd https://t.co/bc1To2SoOE

— Cardiff Rugby (@Cardiff_Rugby) October 23, 2026

The hosts, coached by former Sharks mentor Sean Everitt, led 5-3 at half-time before producing a dominant second-half display to outscore the Johannesburg-based side by five tries to one.

The match marked the Lions’ return to action following the tragic death of lock Hyron Andrews, who died from an aortic dissection in France ahead of their Champions Cup encounter against La Rochelle.

Wet conditions made handling difficult in the opening exchanges, while the Lions struggled to find consistency at line-out time. Edinburgh eventually broke the deadlock in the 20th minute when Hector Patterson finished a move involving Matt Currie. Chris Smith’s penalty kept the Lions in touch at the break.

Edinburgh found their rhythm after half-time, with Mosese Tuipulotu crossing after an earlier try had been disallowed. Patterson then finished a flowing attack from inside his own half to extend the lead.

Batho Hlekani briefly revived the Lions’ hopes with a try, converted by Smith, to make it 19-10. However, Patterson struck again from a quick tap penalty before Geordie Gwynn added the hosts’ fifth try in the closing stages.

Patterson was the standout performer, scoring twice and playing a key role in Edinburgh’s attacking success.

The contrasting results left the Sharks with renewed momentum, while the Lions were left searching for answers after another challenging outing on the road.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport