Buy-in sparks Sharks revival under Pietersen - Esterhuizen

Speaking after the Durban outfit claimed a 30–19 United Rugby Championship derby win over the Stormers in Cape Town last weekend.

Working under interim head coach JP Pietersen, who handed Esterhuizen the captain’s armband, the Sharks have now recorded four victories in six matches since Pietersen stepped in for John Plumtree.

Esterhuizen says the squad is fully aligned on what is required each week.

"I think we have changed the mindset a bit around the group, lifting the standards in training. If you train better, you're going to play better. So, it's more a mindset change. It's not like we dont have the talent; it's just about everyone performing at their best every weekend," said Esterhuizen

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The weekend success was also a significant milestone for the Sharks, marking their first URC victory over the Stormers in Cape Town after four previous attempts without success.

Esterhuizen was influential across the park, contributing physically on defence, carrying strongly and slotting crucial kicks at goal.

He says the focus now turns to consistency, with the same opponents meeting again in Durban, where the challenge will be to match the intensity at Kings Park.

According to the skipper, motivation remains high, with the team eager to build momentum in front of their home supporters.

Esterhuizen’s adaptability again came to the fore when he shifted into the back row during the second half at DHL Stadium, a role he has filled on occasion at Test level.

The move was forced after a spate of injuries to loose forwards Manu Tshituka and Phepsi Buthelezi, as well as replacement flanker Siya Kolisi.

Despite handling the switch effectively, Esterhuizen has played down the prospect of a repeat positional change this weekend, suggesting the adjustment was purely situational.

The Cape Town victory also brought an end to the Stormers’ eight-match URC winning run, prompting questions about what has shifted within the Sharks camp after a challenging period under Plumtree.

Esterhuizen believes leadership growth has been part of the process, saying he has become more comfortable and decisive since taking on the captaincy.

He adds that leading by example and earning trust within the group has helped strengthen the team’s identity on and off the field.

"For me, I'm a big believer in you can't tell someone to do something if you're not doing it yourself. If you want to say something, you need to do it yourself as well so that people can follow you."