Injury hit Sharks bring back Bok star for raid on Munster stronghold

The Sharks have recalled Springbok ace Ethan Hooker for Saturday’s URC clash with Munster as JP Pietersen’s side look to end a demanding three-match European tour on a high.

Having already travelled through France, Wales and Ireland, the Durban outfit head to Thomond Park for their final assignment of the trip buoyed by a run of encouraging performances and growing confidence within the squad.

Hooker is set for a personal milestone in Limerick, with the 23-year-old earning his 50th appearance for the Sharks in international competition.

“The team is in a really good place and we’re playing some really good rugby, there’s a plan in place and everyone is just buying into it,” said Hooker.

“Things are starting to align and it’s really working for us.”

Despite his relative youth, the 13-cap Springbok has become one of the senior figures in an exciting Sharks backline packed with emerging talent.

“I love playing in this backline, the guys are still young and they just have so much energy, all they want is the ball and to do magic with it,” Hooker added.

“Playing in this backline elevates me to be hungry for the ball myself.

“Some of the things they can do is almost miraculous but they manage to pull it off. Sometimes they make mistakes but they’re so naturally talented that you can learn a thing or two off their basic instincts.”

Hooker also expects a stern examination from Clayton McMillan’s Munster, who have just come off a loss to bitter Irish rivals Leinster.

“It’s evident from the way they play that they love ball in hand, taking the ball through multiple phases and trying to stretch you and we know they’re a quality team.

“There’s no underestimating them, playing at home with their crowd behind them, the passion of the Irish fans and for us, this is one of our biggest games.

“Our focus is on being good on tour and picking up as many points as possible. We hold Munster in high regard, we have a lot of respect for them, but we have our systems and game plan in place and we’re going to give it everything.”

The Sharks side features several other Springboks, including Nche, Jaden Hendrikse, Jason Jenkins, Manu Tshituka and Edwill van der Merwe, while Thomas du Toit, Vincent Tshituka and Siya Masuku provide proven international quality from the bench.

It’s a decent showing considering number of injured Sharks’ frontliners. Andre Esterhuizen, Eben Etzebeth, Fez Mbatha, Hendre Stassen, Jannes Potgieter, Jurenzo Julius, Jordan Hendrikse, Makazole Mapimpi, Phatu Ganyane, Phepsi Buthelezi, Simphiwe Matanzima, Trevor Nyakane, Vusi Moyo, Yaw Penxe are all currently sidelined.

Sharks: 15. Zekhethelo Siyaya; 14. Edwill van der Merwe, 13. Suleiman Hartzenberg, 12. Ethan Hooker, 11. Jaco Williams; 10. Gianni Lombard, 9. Jaden Hendrikse; 8. Nick Hatton (capt), 7. Manu Tshituka, 6. Matt Romao; 5. Emile van Heerden, 4. Jason Jenkins; 3. Hanro Jacobs, 2. Ethan Bester, 1. Ox Nche.

Replacements: 16. Esethu Mnebelele, 17. Cameron Dawson, 18. Thomas du Toit, 19. Stephan Lewies, 20. Vincent Tshituka, 21. Ivan van Zyl, 22. Siya Masuku, 23. Litelihle Bester.