Coach JP Pietersen has singled out Springbok hybrid Andre Esterhuizen for how he steered the Sharks to victory over the Stormers in Cape Town.
Esterhuizen was at the centre of the Sharks’ physical dominance and composure under pressure, in their impressive 30-19 victory.
“I think Andre’s been leading well,” Pietersen said after the match. “He challenges the group and you can see when he plays well, the team plays well and I just love the way he carries the team.”
Pietersen revealed that handing Esterhuizen the captaincy was one of his earliest calls as Sharks coach when he took over from John Plumtree, and he believes that move is now paying dividends.
“He’s a old Shark boy, knows Durban inside out, lives and breathes Durban,” he said. “His actions say a lot more than his words.”
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While the Sharks will savour a rare and morale-boosting win at a sold-out Cape Town Stadium, the physical cost of the derby may yet complicate preparations for next weekend’s return clash.
Springboks Bongi Mbonambi (calf) and Siya Kolisi (hamstring) are among the big concerns while loose forwards Phepsi Buthelezi (toe), Emmanuel Tshituka (ankle) and Matt Ramao (shoulder) are also under injury clouds.
“I need to check if I have players left,” Pietersen admitted. “I think I lost all three loose forwards, but that’s a South African derby. It’s physical, it’s hard and we love it.”
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Pietersen acknowledged the challenge of backing up such an emotionally and physically draining performance.
“The turnaround will be short before next weekend, and we know the Stormers are going to come up to prove a point,” he said. “The challenge in rugby is always if you can double up.”
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
