Sharks warned not to underestimate Munster in Limerick URC clash

The Sharks have beaten Munster in their last three meetings, but wing Ethan Hooker says it would be a mistake to take the Irish side lightly when the teams meet in the United Rugby Championship (URC) in Limerick on Saturday night, according to The Citizen.

Munster, who won the tournament in 2022/23, have started this season with one win, one draw and two losses, leaving them ninth on the log. Hooker believes that record does not tell the full story.

Munster dangerous at home

Munster lost 24-18 away to Leinster last weekend but showed plenty of fight. A week earlier they beat Racing 92 33-25 at Thomond Park in the Champions Cup, and they will be keen to be back on home turf.

“Munster are a quality team,” Hooker said. He added that any side “would be fools” to underestimate them, particularly with a home crowd behind them. According to the Springbok wing, Munster like to keep the ball and use multiple phases to stretch defences.

He described the match as one of the biggest on the Sharks calendar. The Durban side also want to end their tour on a high. They scraped a 40-33 win over Lyon in the Challenge Cup with a last-gasp score, and then beat Cardiff 36-21 in the URC with a bonus point, despite picking up four injuries.

Injuries test the Sharks’ depth

The Sharks will be without captain André Esterhuizen and Jurenzo Julius, a former Junior Springbok Player of the Year. Both are centres. Hooker backed the young backline to step up.

Siya Masuku, who usually plays flyhalf, may have to move to midfield. Wing Litelihle Bester, utility back Suleiman Hartzenberg and prop Cameron Dawson have been called up from South Africa.

Hooker said the squad has been working on its depth and prepares for situations in which two big players are lost. “I know the guys coming in to replace them will put up their hands,” he said.

This story is based on reporting by The Citizen.