Sharks player ratings: Andre Esterhuizen ‘relishing’ captaincy as Junior Springboks star stuns Stormers to complete famous double
Sharks winger Jaco Williams and an inset of captain Andre Esterhuizen.
Following the Sharks’ 36-24 victory over the Stormers, here’s how we rated JP Pietersen’s charges in the United Rugby Championship clash.
Sharks player ratings
15 Aphelele Fassi: Hit and miss at times for the Springboks’ full-back, with one error under the high ball immediately capitalised on by the Stormers as Paul de Villiers scored. Still, he kicked quite well out of hand and managed to gain a fair amount of running metres, but also gave a silly penalty away inside the Stormers’ 22. 6
14 Edwill van der Merwe: Really contested exceptionally well in the air, earning praise from his head coach, who dubbed him ‘the game changer’ as he repeatedly won possession back for the Sharks. Precious few opportunities with the ball in hand, but that was also because he conceded four turnovers. 6
13 Ethan Hooker: A quick bit of thinking saw him dive over the try for a pivotal try. Really complements Esterhuizen well in the midfield combination on both sides of the ball. Consistently got over the advantage line and made good decisions overall. 7
12 Andre Esterhuizen (c): Not quite as box-office as he was last weekend, but no less crucial as he ran a smart angle to score. The Sharks are benefitting hugely from running the majority of their attacks through their skipper, who put in another top-quality shift. The Springboks’ powerhouse is relishing in the leadership role. 8
11 Jaco Williams: Toiled well in the air with Dylan Maart, who marked the Junior Bok star well. It wasn’t really the easiest of days for wingers, but the 20-year-old made the most of his rare opportunities, scoring a try reminiscent of those Bryan Habana would score off the shoulder of Fourie du Preez. Then, mind-blowing got a second try, chasing a lost cause and punishing Warrick Gelant. 8
10 Jordan Hendrikse: Much like Fassi, Hendrikse had several errors in his game but bounced back and had good moments. He should have done better with his tackle attempt on De Villiers and conceded three turnovers. His high bombs were mostly on point, too. 6
9 Grant Williams: Lucky that his try stood as he wasn’t exactly behind the scrum when he took the quick tap. Caused havoc at times for the Stormers with his pinpoint box kicks while he assisted Esterhuizen and his namesake Williams’ try, both times making great decisions. 8
The forwards
8 Phepsi Buthelezi: Became a more prominent carrier once Kolisi departed proceedings and so effectively. Largely effective for the most part without much error. 7
7 Vincent Tshituka: Fell foul of the conditions, conceding three turnovers, which often comes with the amount of work he got through. He was a solid option in the lineouts and carried strongly into contact. 6
6 Siya Kolisi: A go-to ball carrier for the Sharks again today and rightly so as the Springboks captain regularly bounced off the first attempted tackler and got front-foot ball for the hosts. He did give a silly penalty away that Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu converted, but outside of that mishap, it was a solid and effective shift. 7
5 Emile van Heerden: Managed to right the ship at lineout time, taking a match high of eight throws. He had an incredibly busy game, hitting rucks while also topping the tackle count for the Sharks and chipping in with six carries too. 7
4 Corne Rahl: Far too easily shunted off by Cobus Reinach for the Stormers’ opening try, saying he needed to do better is a massive understatement. Recovered from that early soft moment to have a decent 45-minute outing. 5
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3 Hanro Jacobs: The scrums were messy in the first half, and Jacobs paid the price, getting the hook at the break. He conceded two penalties and was rather quiet around the park, just not his day. Returned later in the game, where he fared much better. 5
2 Fez Mbatha: The lineout was a bit of an issue early on, but he managed to recover somewhat. Made sure the officials caught Fouche taking him out off the ball in the build-up to a try. Solid at the breakdown and in the collisions. 6
1 Ox Nche: Had his issues in the scrums in the first half, with Neethling Fouche dealing with the world-class loosehead superbly. It wasn’t detrimental to his side’s cause, though, and Nche threw his weight around brilliantly in open play with some big carries and strong hits in defence. 6
Replacements: The Sharks needed their bench to step up to secure the first season double of the Stormers since 2012, and they certainly did with Eduan Swart impressing at hooker while Jason Jenkins made a telling impact in the second row. Jaden Hendrikse was perhaps the standout of the replacements yet again as the Sharks got a huge purchase from the scrum-half position today. Jurenzo Julius also had a strong cameo, as did Nick Hatton. 8
READ MORE: Bulls player ratings: Several stars ‘return to form’ as the ‘unluckiest Springbok’ tears Lions apart
