So Cardiff's undefeated home record in 2026 is gone and in truth, they can have few complaints.

The Blue and Blacks looked threatening with the ball they did have and scored three tries, including that brilliant team score rounded off by Josh Adams.

They also showed real resilience to keep Sharks out at times but you simply can't give away so much possession and territory to a top South African side and expect victory.

The visitors were everything we expected them to be. Physical, powerful, and eventually, clinical. JP Pietersen would have been ruing his side's failure to take chances during the opening 40 minutes but in the latter stages, when the game was in the balance, Sharks were ruthless.

But Corniel van Zyl won't allow his players to be dwelling on this for long. Next week it is Ospreys away and a trip to St Helen's.

To say it is going to be an intense Welsh derby with high feelings would be a ludicrous understatement.

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And this time, it will count.

Moments after being under pressure, Sharks earn a penalty that Lombard boots up-field.

This time there is no forward drive, but a series of carries before Jaden Hendrikse pops a pass to Matt Romao to dive over from close range.

Easy extras for Lombard and few can deny the visitors deserve this lead.

Eyebrows were raised when Corniel van Zyl opted to ring the changes for the trip to Franklin's Gardens and sure enough, the big guns are back tonight.

There are 11 alterations to the starting XV including an all-new pack, as captain Liam Belcher returns in the front-row between Scott Sio and Javan Sebastian.

Josh McNally and Teddy Williams renew their partnership in the second-row, with Alex Mann, James Botham and Taine Basham - recalled by Wales this week - compiling the back-row.

Following a calf problem, wing Josh Adams returned as a replacement at Northampton but starts tonight, while full-back Cam Winnett is also recalled after injury.

In midfield, Le Roux Malan faces his former side as Harri Millard switches to the wing, with fellow centre Steff Emanuel and half-backs Jarrod Evans and Johan Mulder the other players retained.

Cardiff: Cam Winnett; Josh Adams, Le Roux Malan, Steff Emanuel, Harri Millard; Jarrod Evans, Johan Mulder; Scott Sio, Liam Belcher (capt), Javan Sebastian, Josh McNally, Teddy Williams, Alex Mann, James Botham, Taine Basham.

Replacements: Evan Lloyd, Danny Southworth, Keiron Assiratti, Tom Manz, Semisi Paea, Aled Davies, Callum Sheedy, Tom Bowen.