Springbok wing Ethan Hooker said that the Hollywoodbets Sharks are determined to secure their first win of the 2025/26 United Rugby Championship campaign, playing exciting rugby against Ulster at the Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban at 16:00 (SA Time) on Saturday.
On his return from the Springboks, Hooker said: “It’s very exciting, obviously, I want to come back to my home team, do my home team proud.”
“It’s our first home game, and it’s a big one. We don’t want to lose any home games, so we’re going to come firing out the blocks and hopefully keep that intensity for 80 minutes.”
“I just feel the vibe is really good being back, and you almost get that homey sense of feeling, and it’s really good. I’m really keen to go out this Saturday and perform.”
“Our supporters can look forward to this weekend’s game, just as we are. We’ve been training very hard. Exciting things are coming this weekend. I hope it’s going to be a full stadium and there’s a good game of rugby on show.”
Hooker said he wants to bring the winning edge the Springboks have to Durban.
“The biggest thing I took from the Boks is just how clinical they are, especially when it comes to winning games. I’d like to transfer that into our Sharks team and create a culture around it.”
Speaking of what he expects from Ulster, Hooker said: “We just have to match their physicality and overpower them.”
“Use our big forwards to get over that gain line, and then just follow up with the backs and hopefully get those points.”