The Bok combo that could take Sharks to next level
REACTION: Sharks interim head coach JP Pietersen was impressed with the dynamism shown by his midfield combination in Saturday’s Champions Cup clash against Saracens in Durban.
The Durban side edged the three-time winners 28-23 with Andre Esterhuizen and Ethan Hooker delivering standout performances in the 80 minutes.
Esterhuizen, who was given the captaincy for the match, was a powerhouse with his strong carries and a calming influence in pressure situations on defence.
Meanwhile, Hooker showed off his wide array of skills with two try assists, while his physicality in that No.13 jersey troubled the visitors in miserable conditions.
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“They complement each other well, on defence and attack,” Pietersen told reporters after the match.
“It feels like we’ve got 10 forwards on the field.
“When the forwards don’t give you momentum, we can rely on Ethan and Andre to do something in the midfield to get us a bit of go-forward.
“As I’ve said before, Ethan is a centre who sometimes helps out on the wing and from my side, I’ve always seen him as a centre.”
Pietersen has also witnessed the evolution of Esterhuizen into a leader and “hybrid” player.
“I can remember it like yesterday when he made his [Sharks] debut,” Pietersen added.
“I was a centre, and he was on the wing in New Zealand against the Hurricanes. We’ve played a lot of games together.
“He has grown up so much, and he has become the ultimate all-round player now. They call him the ‘hybrid’ now.
“I’m unbelievably proud of him.
“The way he leads, the way he was talking. His calling on the field was good, and I didn’t need to step in much, which means he is a natural leader.”
The Sharks will now face the Bulls in a United Rugby Championship derby in Durban next weekend.
@rugby365com
