We pick out five Hollywoodbets Sharks players that stood out during the team’s huge 20-17 URC win over the Bulls at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday.
Manu Tshituka
In the absence of brother Vincent, James Venter and Siya Kolisi, Manu and his fellow starting back row starters were under big pressure to shut down Bulls heavyweights Elrigh Louw, Cameron Hanekom and Cobus Wiese on Saturday.
Although the contest itself was a close one and there were no clear winners, Tshituka’s Man of the Match showing went a long way to helping nudge the hosts over the line in what was a ferocious game.
The Congolsese continues to impress and, alongside Phepsi Buthelezi and Nick Hatton, underlined his side’s impressive loose forward depth on Saturday.
Andre Esterhuizen
Captain-on-the-day Esterhuizen carried for 35-metres, made a clean break and won a turnover in a solid knock in Durban. His brutal ball-carrying was on full display, particularly against Bulls’ centres Stedman Gans and Harold Vorster, while his calmness under pressure was also a big boon for his team.
Ethan Hooker
Hooker must surely get a look-in from Rassie Erasmus next year, with the July Test matches against Italy and Georgia an ideal way to introduce the youngster to the international arena. On Saturday, the midfielder continued his fine form, making some very positive contributions.
He did well to chase a Jordan Hendrikse chip and pressure defending winger Sebastian de Klerk into conceding a penalty try and yellow card, while his centre partnership with Esterhuizen still looks great.
Jaden Hendrikse
Following his rather forgettable outing against Leicester Tigers last week, the Bok scrumhalf looked back to his best in going the full distance against the Bulls. He sniped early on to open the side’s try-scoring account, while his decision-making and execution was at the cornerstone of what was an invaluable victory.
Aphelele Fassi
In difficult, humid conditions, Fassi showed his value again with an imperious performance from the back. His work under the high ball was very good, as was his positioning, but it’s the fullback’s eagerness to spark something out of nothing, particularly in transition, that makes him such an ever-present threat for opponents.
