Sharks boss Pietersen reveals importance of leadership group stepping up in URC campaign
André Esterhuizen won't be available for matches at various times of the season because of his Springbok involvement.
Sharks coach JP Pietersen is optimistic that captain André Esterhuizen will be fit for most of the team's matches in the upcoming United Rugby Championship (URC) season, even though Esterhuizen is also a key player for the Springboks. The 2026/27 URC campaign begins next weekend, with Sharks facing Ospreys in Durban. Pietersen's team is eager for a successful start after struggling in recent seasons.
Esterhuizen is currently in Australia with the Springboks, preparing for a one-off Test match. However, Pietersen assures that he will return to the Sharks' squad the following week and remain available until the Boks' November tour to Europe. Esterhuizen, along with other Bok players in the Sharks squad, will likely take a mandatory rest period in February and March next year.
Pietersen emphasizes the importance of other leaders stepping up during the season. Co-captains Emile van Heerden, Nick Hatton, and Vincent Tshituka, as well as club captains Vincent Koch and Phepsi Buthelezi, will need to share leadership responsibilities and take ownership of the team. Pietersen praises the mix of experienced players, including van Heerden, Hatton, and Koch, stating that it's advantageous to build a group of leadership around Esterhuizen.
Veteran former New Zealander centre Ma'a Nonu has joined the Sharks as a mentor to the centres. Pietersen explains that Nonu will mainly assist the centres with preparation and skills, and he will only play if there are no other available centres. The Sharks also have Suleiman Hartzenburg, Jurenzo Julius, Albie Bester, and Murray Koster as additional centres.
The coach highlights the significance of rotation throughout the season, given the long travel schedules and injuries that may occur. Pietersen states that while players who perform will be rewarded with more game time, rotation will be crucial to maintain freshness across the roster. The Sharks' season kicks off against Ospreys next Saturday at 4pm.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
