Exclusive | Springbok bruiser Andre Esterhuizen says Sharks one click away from gelling on attack

Sharks and Springbok sledgehammer André Esterhuizen feels that Saturday’s United Rugby Championship (URC) quarter-final against Munster is the game where his team will finally click on attack after weeks of frustration.

The Sharks boast a backline filled with Springboks — including the Hendrikse brothers, Jaden and Jordan, Esterhuizen himself, Makazole Mapimpi, Lukhanyo Am, and Aphelele Fassi — as well as future Boks in Ethan Hooker and Jurenzo Julius. Yet, cohesion in attack has often eluded them.

“We have a lot of confidence going into this game with four good wins in a row,” Esterhuizen said.

“We have not played our best rugby, but it feels good that we know we can grind out wins if needed, especially at a wet Kings Park — it doesn’t look wet, but as soon as the dew sets in, the ball becomes difficult to handle.”

The burly Bok was referring to the Sharks’ recent 12–3 victory over the Scarlets in Durban — a game in which both sides struggled to build momentum due to frequent handling errors.

“Durban conditions are tough — early in the year it's humidity, and in winter, hot days cool down quickly to create heavy dew. It’s like the field has been sprayed wet before kick-off,” Esterhuizen added.

Esterhuizen insists the Sharks aspire to more than just winning through sheer defensive grit — they want to dominate with flair and attacking efficiency.

“No, we never want to grind games out; we want to win them comfortably like we know we can,” the 31-year-old said.

“We are getting better week by week, so hopefully we can hit our straps against Munster. But if it means we have to grind out a win, we will do it.”

“We know how to do that, but we feel we are building something on attack and are improving. We are confident because every week we win while knowing we can be better.”

Esterhuizen says when he surveys the Sharks’ changing room, he sees pedigree and depth that give him confidence a breakthrough is near.

“We have players of excellent pedigree and very good depth. Everyone has played at some stage this year, so whoever steps in is experienced.

"We just need to get over a final hurdle in our game to accelerate into the next gear. We are close.”

Early in the URC season, the Sharks played some exhilarating rugby and scored memorable tries, but lost their way on attack when a significant number of players were unavailable — mostly to Springbok duty or injury.

“It has been a season of disruptions,” Esterhuizen admitted.

“Circumstances became unpredictable, but hopefully we can replicate some of that excellent rugby from last year. Our last game against Munster (a 41–24 win last October in Durban) was very good.”

Speaking of Munster, the defending URC champions are known for thriving in knockout rugby and will be bidding farewell to two Irish legends: Peter O’Mahony and Conor Murray.

“Munster will come out with all guns blazing,” said Esterhuizen, who spent four years in the northern hemisphere with London-based Harlequins.

“They have the belief because they’ve done it before. Their last URC title, they won the quarter-final, semi-final and final away from home.”

“They are saying goodbye to O’Mahony and Murray — they’re finishing at Munster, so they have a lot to play for to give those guys a good send-off. But hopefully we can spoil the party.”

The Sharks are in the mood for a showdown, Esterhuizen says, and their recent defensive solidity proves the squad is united and ready.

“Defence tells you how much players care for each other,” he said.

“Defence is about wanting to work hard for your teammates. We haven’t let in many tries recently, and we’re planning for more of the same this weekend — while wanting to explode on attack.”