Pietersen backs Ethan Hooker to lead Sharks in 50th match
Sharks coach JP Pietersen says Ethan Hooker is ready to lead the backs in Limerick as the Springbok centre marks his 50th match for the Durban side.
Ethan Hooker will play his 50th match for the Sharks when they take on Munster in Limerick on Saturday, in the final United Rugby Championship game before the November break, IOL reported.
The 23-year-old is already a regular in the Springbok squad. Sharks coach JP Pietersen says he will also need to step up as a leader, with injured captain Andre Esterhuizen unavailable.
A Durban boy living his dream
Pietersen pointed out that Hooker is from Durban and went to school at Westville Boys High, close to Kings Park. “It was his dream to play for the Sharks all his life,” the coach said, adding that reaching 50 games so soon is special.
Hooker will wear the number 12 jersey for the milestone match. Pietersen said inside centre is the player’s favourite position. The coach described him as a “true professional” and a servant to the Sharks, saying teammates love his energy, the way he looks after himself and how he encourages standards in the group.
With Esterhuizen out, Pietersen said Hooker is part of the leadership group and has a responsibility to lead the backs against a strong Munster side. “I’m confident he will do the job for us and lead,” the coach said. He added that he is extremely proud of how Hooker drives himself on and off the field at such a young age.
Siyaya told to use Springbok snub as motivation
Another young Westville product, 19-year-old Zek Siyaya, was not selected for the Springbok tour in November. Pietersen said the youngster has been good for the Sharks and has coped well when thrown in at the deep end, but noted that he has only recently left school.
“He’s still a kid,” Pietersen said, saying coaches sometimes need to remind themselves of that. The coach believes Siyaya should treat the omission as a challenge to show he can do even more.
Pietersen also advised the teenager to “stay loaded”, because injuries on international duty can open up opportunities without warning. He acknowledged that Siyaya is disappointed.
What to look out for
The match against Munster is the last URC fixture before the break, so it is the final chance for the Sharks to put in a performance before the international window. Supporters will be watching how Hooker handles the captaincy-style responsibilities in Esterhuizen’s absence, and how the Sharks cope against a side Pietersen described as formidable.
This story is based on reporting by IOL.
