Andre Esterhuizen downplays chance of another back-row switch for Sharks v Stormers rematch

Sharks skipper Andre Esterhuizen has downplayed the likelihood of shifting from centre to flank once again for this weekend’s United Rugby Championship (URC) return clash against the Stormers in Durban.

“Andre the Giant” moved into the back row during the second half of last weekend’s historic 30-19 triumph at DHL Stadium — a role he occasionally occupies for the Springboks — after Manu Tshituka, Phepsi Buthelezi, and replacement flanker Siya Kolisi all suffered injuries.

With Matt Romao also sidelined, coach JP Pietersen suggested, tongue-in-cheek, that Esterhuizen and his midfield partner Ethan Hooker could end up on the flanks for Saturday’s showdown in the Shark Tank. 

“I think we’ve got enough world-class loose forwards at URC level in the club, from youngsters to old boys,” Esterhuizen said during an online media briefing on Tuesday. “Unless it’s injury cover or something happens in the game like this weekend, where we get two to three injuries in our back row, I don’t think it will probably happen again.”

While Saturday’s victory saw the Sharks climb from 14th to 11th in the standings, the skipper stressed the importance of building on the result.

“Everyone has bought into the plan and we can’t slack off. We’ve got nine weeks left and we’re still sitting 11th, so there’s definitely no room for complacency after one good performance that didn’t even put us in the top eight. Ultimately, we need to be in the top six if we want a chance to win this competition,” he said.

Kick-off at Kings Park is at 5pm on Saturday.