Hollywoodbets Sharks captain Andre Esterhuizen acknowledges that despite last week’s bonus point victory over the DHL Stormers, they are not getting ahead of themselves as they focus on this second match against their coastal rivals at 17:00 (SA Time).
“We have a lot to improve on, we are working hard, but to know there is so much improvement ahead of us after the win last weekend is a good sign that we are on the right path,” he admits.
“Last week was a tough and brutal game, but that’s a South African derby, and you have to get up for everyone. We’re all in the right mindset, knowing that we can’t just give a once-off performance like that, we must back it up this weekend again.”
As the last game before a break, he explains that his team will be leaving nothing out there in their quest to take back-to-back victories over the DHL Stormers.
“Everyone wants to go into that break in a good way; there is massive motivation for this weekend.”
Aligned with his appointment as captain, the team’s fortunes have also picked up. While he is quick to credit a changed mindset under coach JP Pietersen, Esterhuizen’s lead-by-example play cannot be ignored.
“I’m getting used to the role and enjoying leading the team, and with the backing of the boys and coaching staff, that makes it so much easier.
“I’m a big believer that you can’t tell someone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself.”