The Sharks have been dealt a significant midfield blow ahead of their URC tour match against Munster in Limerick, with both Andre Esterhuizen and Jurenzo Julius ruled out through injury.
Esterhuizen, who is captaining the tour squad, lasted only a minute against Cardiff before limping off with an ankle injury. Julius followed him out of the match with a hamstring problem, forcing a series of reshuffles during the game. Both players have since been released from the tour party.
Coach JP Pietersen has called up Suleiman Hartzenberg as cover, and he is set to partner Ethan Hooker in midfield against Munster. Hooker, who shifted from the wing to centre after Esterhuizen went off against Cardiff, is confident the squad can absorb the losses.
"We have been really working on our depth, and it's a credit to all the younger guys coming through, who really put up their hand when they get a chance," Hooker said. "We do have two big losses, but I know without a doubt that the guys coming in to replace them will put their hand up again."
Hooker also singled out 19-year-old fullback Zekhethelo Siyaya, who continued his promising form against Cardiff. "These guys see space that other guys don't see. Some of the things they can do are quite miraculous. They are so naturally talented; you can learn a thing just based on their pure instincts."