Esterhuizen could lead Sharks against Leinster in Kings Park blockbuster
JP Pietersen has explained how he will manage his Springbok contingent over the course of the United Rugby Championship.
Andre Esterhuizen, the newly appointed Sharks captain, may return to his home province of Durban in time to lead the team against Leinster in their second match of the new United Rugby Championship season. The Sharks commence their campaign at home against the Ospreys on September 26, but the Springboks are scheduled to be in Australia that weekend.
Esterhuizen, who has been in all four Tests against the All Blacks, is expected to start the Wallabies showdown on Sunday, September 27. Eben Etzebeth, Thomas du Toit, Ethan Hooker, and Ox Nche, who have had heavier workloads against the All Blacks, may take longer to join the Sharks' campaign. Coach JP Pietersen believes Esterhuizen will likely be back for the Leinster match, provided everything goes according to plan.
The Ospreys' controversial victory over the Sharks last season, which ended the Durban side's hopes of reaching the URC quarter-finals, is unlikely to prompt any retaliation from the Sharks. Pietersen emphasizes that the match is about surpassing their previous performance and showcasing robust athleticism. The 67-man squad assembled by Pietersen acknowledges the challenges posed by injuries, international duties, and European travel, necessitating squad rotation for freshness.
The Sharks' season extends from September to June, requiring constant replenishment of players. Performance-driven selection will be a guiding principle throughout the demanding campaign, with rewarded players getting opportunities to play.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
