Sharks' coach John Plumtree has spilled the beans: Ethan Hooker, the 22-year-old Springbok sensation, is not just making waves as a winger during the Rugby Championship, but is also gearing up to transition back to the midfield. For now, though, he'll be dazzling us with his speed on the wing, sporting the No 14 jersey this Saturday against Leinster in Dublin.
Hooker's versatility reminds Plumtree of another South African rugby polymath, Frans Steyn, who famously shifted from wing to midfield and even donned the No 10 jersey. "I think over time we’ll see him move back into midfield. We’ve seen that with a lot of quality players in South Africa – Frans Steyn is one example," Plumtree revealed.
"As Ethan gets more confident at this level and develops his skill set, playing at centre will be an option for us. He’s got all the attributes to be a real quality midfielder and I know that’s where he wants to be."
Joining Hooker in the starting lineup are fellow Boks stalwarts including Makazole Mapimpi who will be starting on the opposite wing. The bench will see the likes of prop Vincent Koch and hooker Bongi Mbonambi ready to make an impact. The Sharks are looking robust, especially in their aerial game, a critical component against a Leinster team that's bringing back its British & Irish Lions after a resting period.
Plumtree emphasized the importance of the aerial game in modern rugby, noting, "The modern game isn’t just about set-piece dominance – the kicking game is like another set piece." He is confident in his team's abilities in the air, praising not only Hooker and Mapimpi but also Edwill van der Merwe at fullback.
The Sharks’ locker room is also buzzing with personal milestones, with Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth launching a book and expecting a new addition to his family soon. "It’s a massive occasion for his family, so it’s important that if he plays against Ulster next week his mind is right on the job," Plumtree commented, ensuring the team's focus remains sharp.
As for the upcoming clash, Plumtree threw a bit of cheeky shade towards Leinster’s recent performances in South Africa. "If Leinster felt they were lacking physical intent in South Africa, it’s the wrong country not to bring it to," he chuckled. With Leinster hosting their first home game after their South African defeats, a fiery encounter is definitely on the cards.
TEAM: Starting lineup for Sharks features Ethan Hooker and Makazole Mapimpi on the wings, with Vincent Koch and Bongi Mbonambi among the substitutes.
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Sharks' coach John Plumtree has spilled the beans: Ethan Hooker, the 22-year-old Springbok sensation, is not just making waves as a winger during the Rugby Championship, but is also gearing up to transition back to the midfield. For now, though, he'll be dazzling us with his speed on the wing, sporting the No 14 jersey this Saturday against Leinster in Dublin.
Hooker's versatility reminds Plumtree of another South African rugby polymath, Frans Steyn, who famously shifted from wing to midfield and even donned the No 10 jersey. "I think over time we’ll see him move back into midfield. We’ve seen that with a lot of quality players in South Africa – Frans Steyn is one example," Plumtree revealed.
"As Ethan gets more confident at this level and develops his skill set, playing at centre will be an option for us. He’s got all the attributes to be a real quality midfielder and I know that’s where he wants to be."
Joining Hooker in the starting lineup are fellow Boks stalwarts including Makazole Mapimpi who will be starting on the opposite wing. The bench will see the likes of prop Vincent Koch and hooker Bongi Mbonambi ready to make an impact. The Sharks are looking robust, especially in their aerial game, a critical component against a Leinster team that's bringing back its British & Irish Lions after a resting period.
Plumtree emphasized the importance of the aerial game in modern rugby, noting, "The modern game isn’t just about set-piece dominance – the kicking game is like another set piece." He is confident in his team's abilities in the air, praising not only Hooker and Mapimpi but also Edwill van der Merwe at fullback.
The Sharks’ locker room is also buzzing with personal milestones, with Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth launching a book and expecting a new addition to his family soon. "It’s a massive occasion for his family, so it’s important that if he plays against Ulster next week his mind is right on the job," Plumtree commented, ensuring the team's focus remains sharp.
As for the upcoming clash, Plumtree threw a bit of cheeky shade towards Leinster’s recent performances in South Africa. "If Leinster felt they were lacking physical intent in South Africa, it’s the wrong country not to bring it to," he chuckled. With Leinster hosting their first home game after their South African defeats, a fiery encounter is definitely on the cards.
TEAM: Starting lineup for Sharks features Ethan Hooker and Makazole Mapimpi on the wings, with Vincent Koch and Bongi Mbonambi among the substitutes.