Sharks captain Eben Etzebeth believes that his team’s experience in winning close matches will help them in their URC quarter-final against Munster at home on Saturday.
The Sharks had a strong season, finishing third after winning 13 out of 18 games. This is a big improvement compared to last season when they finished 18th with only four wins.
Etzebeth said that their success in tough, closely fought games this year has made a big difference and could be key in their next match.
“In the past, playoff games have often been very close,” Etzebeth said. “This year, we’ve managed to win those tight games, unlike last season when we lost most of them.”
He added that the team has learned from their past and now feels more confident in pressure situations. “Hopefully, we won’t let the game get too close on Saturday,” he said with a smile.
Coach John Plumtree has brought back top Springbok players like World Cup champions Siya Kolisi and Lukhanyo Am for this weekend’s playoff. However, lock Eben Etzebeth believes the younger players and the rest of the squad have been just as important to the Sharks’ success this season and will keep playing key roles.
“Many young players got valuable experience this season. Ethan Hooker, for example, has been outstanding, and our bench front-row players have really stepped up with strong performances lately,” Etzebeth said.
“The more chances these young guys get, the more confident and better they become.”
Andre Esterhuizen, who will play alongside Am in the midfield, added that the team is feeling good after recent success.
“We’re going into this match with a lot of confidence after winning our last four games,” said Esterhuizen.
“We haven’t played our best rugby yet, but it’s good to know we can still win tough matches when needed.
Of course, we’d rather win games easily, the way we know we’re capable of.
Each week we’re getting better, and we hope to play our best against Munster. But if we have to fight hard to win, we’re ready for that too.
Our attack is improving, and we feel like we’re close to hitting top form. We just need to push ourselves a little more. The good thing is we keep winning, and we know we can still play even better.”
Quarter-final line-up (Sharks):
Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Lukhanyo Am*, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 1 Ox Nche, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 3 Vincent Koch, 4 Eben Etzebeth (c), 5 Jason Jenkins, 6 James Venter, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 8 Siya Kolisi (v/c).
Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Emile van Heerden, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Francois Venter, 23 Yaw Penxe.
