Esterhuizen hails Sharks’ aerial edge in derby double
REACTION: The Sharks dominated the aerial battle to pin the Stormers deep in their own half, with coach JP Pietersen praising his side for buying into the plan and operating as a cohesive unit after his halftime message.
Captain André Esterhuizen also felt his side’s dominance in the air was the foundation for a second successive United Rugby Championship victory over the Stormers, as Durban once again proved an uncomfortable destination for the Cape outfit.
Esterhuizen pointed to the impact of the replacements and the tactical value of conditions, particularly in the second half.
“Jaden came on and did really well, and Grant was excellent in the first half,” he said, and added, “We also had a bit of wind behind us after the break, which definitely helped.”
More than the elements, however, it was the Sharks’ aerial work rate that impressed their captain.
“Our wings were outstanding under the high ball. We put them under constant pressure and won a lot of loose scraps. That’s something we focused on all week.”
Esterhuizen explained that the kicking-and-chasing strategy was essential in greasy conditions.
“If you can’t exit your half, you can’t play rugby. You just end up trapped,” he said. “It might look nice on TV, but it’s very wet and slippery out there, so that style suits days like this.”
The centre also welcomed the timing of the competition break, with the Sharks heading into three weeks off on the back of three consecutive wins and five victories from seven matches since JP Pietersen took over as interim coach.
“I’m really glad the work paid off. The boys deserve the break and will come back refreshed.”
Pietersen, meanwhile, praised his players for buying into the plan and delivering a collective performance after his message to them at halftime.
“When we got into the 22, we were ruthless. We converted our chances. It was the same last week in Cape Town -when we’re direct and aggressive close to the line, we come away with points, and that was pleasing.”
The coach highlighted the squad’s response under pressure and the contributions across the park.
“We were under the pump a couple of times, but the group stuck together,” he said. “Phepsi was good in those moments, Emile stood up, and Vincent Koch came on and made a real impact.”
Pietersen revealed he challenged the team at the break to move away from relying on individual brilliance.
“At halftime, I asked for a collective performance, not just André carrying us,” he said. “A lot of guys put their hands up.”
He singled out the late try sparked by pure effort as emblematic of the team’s mindset.
“He didn’t need to chase that kick, but he did, and it led to a try,” Pietersen said.
“That shows what this group means to each other. We care, and we work for one another.”
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The back-to-back wins earned the Sharks a maximum 10 points from the two Stormers fixtures, while denying the Cape side any return. With two more South African derbies still to come, the Durban outfit heads into the Six Nations window with valuable momentum.
The Sharks resume their URC campaign with an away derby against the Lions on February 21, before hosting the Bulls a week later.
