Sharks player ratings: Springboks ‘man-mountain’ the standout in superb team display as Stormers’ winning run emphatically ended
Andre Esterhuizen and Aphelele Fassi in action for the Sharks against the Stormers.
Following a stunning 30-19 victory over the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship clash at DHL Stadium on Saturday, here are the player ratings for the Sharks.
15 Aphelele Fassi: Was awarded the official player of the match award but we’re not sure he was quite that good. Still, he was excellent in a number of areas, counter-attacking well and kicking superbly, including a majestic 50/22. 7
14 Yaw Penxe: A solid display from the right wing, who did his core duties well, although he wasn’t quite as prominent as his backline team-mates. 5
13 Ethan Hooker: There were some good moments but Hooker hasn’t been nearly as influential this season having wreaked havoc during the 2024/25 campaign. After enjoying a breakthrough year at Test level, he is still searching for his best at the Sharks. 6
Mammoth display
12 Andre Esterhuizen (c): An absolutely outstanding performance from the man-mountain, who was utterly brutal in contact and sent defenders into reverse. Also made a try-saving tackle on Leolin Zas in the first half in what was an excellent all-round display, which ended with him in the forwards. 8
11 Jaco Williams: Had the better of the individual duel with his Stormers opponent. A real talent who will only get better, particularly with his basics looking very solid. 7
10 Jordan Hendrikse: Has had his critics but the fly-half dictated proceedings in Cape Town alongside his brother. The pivot’s crossfield kick to Williams was also absolutely sublime. 7
9 Jaden Hendrikse: After a difficult few months, the older Hendrikse has found his form and was once again in good touch on Saturday. His box-kicking was accurate and decision-making around the breakdown solid. 7
8 Nick Hatton: Worked hard throughout on both sides of the ball in what was a solid shift from the number eight. 6
7 Manu Tshituka: Only lasted 20 minutes before he was replaced by his brother, but helped set the tone for a fine team performance. 5
Brutal carrying
6 Phepsi Buthelezi: Superb from the back-rower, who was very physical in the carry and effective in most other areas. A huge shift from Buthelezi as the Sharks got the better of the highly rated Stormers back-row. 8
5 Emile van Heerden: An absolute menace at the lineout as they dissected the Sharks set-piece. Van Heerden was one of the key players in preventing the hosts from taking advantage of their promising attacking positions. 7
4 Jason Jenkins: Did his bit in the set-piece but acted more as the enforcer and was one of their primary carriers in the contest, providing some real ballast in the engine room. 7
3 Vincent Koch: Got the edge at the scrum as they laid an excellent platform for the rest of the team. Only lasted just shy of 50 minutes but the Springboks Rugby World Cup winner did his job very effectively. 6
2 Eduan Swart: With Bongi Mbonambi ruled out, Eduan Swart stepped up to the starting role and did a good job. The Stormers did compete hard at the lineout and there was the odd wobble, but it certainly went better than their opponents’ set-piece. 6
1 Phatu Ganyane: Did 30 minutes of solid work before handing over to Ox Nche, who showed his world-class qualities during his stint on the field. 6
Replacements: As already intimated, Nche went to work at the scrum, but Vincent Tshituka was perhaps even more impressive, competing superbly at the lineout and also putting himself about in the loose. There were also good impacts from Siya Kolisi and Grant Williams as the Sharks bench shone. 8
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