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United Rugby Championship

URC: Five standout Hollywoodbets Sharks performers as Durbanites take aim at Benetton

We pick out five Hollywoodbets Sharks players that shone during the team’s impressive late 33-30 win over Dragons at Rodney Parade at the weekend.

Emmanuel Tshituka of the Cell C Sharks lines up the defense of Cobus Wiese of the Vodacom Bulls and Jannes Kirsten of the Vodacom Bulls during the 2024 Currie Cup game between the Natal Sharks and Blue Bulls at Kings Park Stadium in Durban on 08 September 2024.
Image: Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix

We pick out five Hollywoodbets Sharks players that shone during the team’s impressive late 33-30 win over Dragons at Rodney Parade at the weekend.

Two women looking excitedly at cellphone

Ethan Hooker

Despite continuing to play out of position, Hooker’s performance on the left wing was sublime again for the Sharks, scoring a try and setting up Jaden Hendrikse for another after some superb link play with Andre Esterhuizen.

The SA U20 centre made 89 metres with ball in hand and was also busy on defence, putting in three tackles during another highly industrious 80-minute showing.

Emmanuel Tshituka

The younger brother of skipper Vincent, “Manu” put in another barnstorming display at No 8, making 27 carry metres and crossing the gain line five times during his 56 minutes of action.

The youngster also made 13 tackles as he continues to push his case for more minutes in the starting XV.

Ethan Hooker of the Natal Sharks during the 2024 Currie Cup Final between Golden Lions and Natal Sharks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on 21 September 2024
Image: Willem Loock/BackpagePix

Andre Esterhuizen

After bagging a brace against Connacht, Esterhuizen maintained his fine form here, making 28 carry metres and crossing the gain line on eight occasions.

For such a big man (1.93m and 113kg), the midfielder’s handling skills are off the charts, as evidenced in his try assist-offload to centre partner Jurenzo Julius and combination with Hooker to set up Hendrikse in the first half.

(14422867an) Hollywoodbets Sharks vs Zebre Parma. Jaden Hendrikse of the Hollywoodbets Sharks European Rugby Challenge Cup Round of 16, Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban South Africa - 07 Apr 2024
Image: Steve Haag Sports/INPHO/Shutterstock

Jordan Hendrikse

If Saturday’s clash is anything to go by, John Plumtree’s decision to utilise a dual playmaking system looks set to reap dividends for the Sharks this season.

Siya Masuku looked solid again at flyhalf, and having fullback Hendrikse also coming into the first receiver channel provides the side with plenty of attack options.

The one-cap Bok Hendrikse set up Hooker with a pinpoint kick-pass in the second half, while his kicking and passing were also top-drawer.

Jaden Hendrikse

Fresh off his Rugby Championship title celebrations with the Boks, Jordan’s brother Jaden was another who looked sharp for the Sharks, bagging an important try just before the break.

Despite the Durbanites certainly not having their greatest game by any means, the Glenwood Old Boy’s passing and decision-making were sound and kept his side in the game when they were 10 points down.

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