Centre Andre Esterhuizen says the Sharks can “explode on attack” against Munster in Durban on Saturday, and progress to the Vodacom URC semi-finals for the first time.
The Sharks have shown they can grind out results this season, but Esterhuizen insists their star-studded backline is ready to fire in this week’s quarter-final clash at Kings Park.
“We have a lot of confidence going into this game with four good wins in a row,” the Springbok midfield powerhouse was quoted by IOL Sport. “We haven’t played our best rugby, but we know how to win ugly, especially at a wet Kings Park.
“It doesn’t look wet, but the dew sets in quickly. It’s like the field’s been sprayed before kick-off.”
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The Sharks’ 12-3 victory against the Scarlets in the final round of the URC league stages proved the defensive resilience of John Plumtree’s charges. Now, Esterhuizen says, it’s time to deliver more than grit.
“No, we never want to grind games out; we want to win them comfortably like we know we can,” he said. “We’re getting better every week and we’re confident we’re close to clicking.”
In October, the Sharks smashed Munster 41–24 in Durban but the 2022-23 champions, who secured their playoff spot with a win over Benetton, won’t lack motivation.
“Munster will come out with all guns blazing,” said Esterhuizen. “They’ve done it before — won the title all away from home. They’re also saying goodbye to legends like Peter O’Mahony and Conor Murray.”
Still, Esterhuizen believes the Sharks are primed for the challenge: “Defence shows how much we care. We’ve been solid, and we want to explode on attack now, and maybe spoil the party.”
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
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