Ethan Hooker insists Sharks can absorb Esterhuizen and Julius losses

The Springbok utility back will carry extra responsibility after captain Andre Esterhuizen and outside centre Jurenzo Julius both suffered injuries in the Sharks' bonus-point 36-21 victory over Cardiff last time out.

Esterhuizen left the field in the opening minute with an ankle injury, while Julius suffered a hamstring tear.

Speaking ahead of the trip to Limerick, Hooker was emphatic that the franchise's investment in squad depth would stand them in good stead.

"For me, it's not a doubt in my mind. We have really been working on our depth, and it's a credit to all the younger guys coming through," Hooker said.

"They really put up their hand when they get their chance.

"Sometimes it's a matter of who's going to play - everyone is performing to their best. We prepare ourselves for these kinds of situations where we do have two big losses.

"I'm not short of doubt that the guys coming in to replace them will put up their hand again."

The 23-year-old, now an established Springbok and one of the most dynamic runners in the URC, is expected to shift into the midfield and anchor the backline.

Youngsters Litelihle Bester and Suleiman Hartzenberg have been brought into the squad as cover, with Hartzenberg tipped to form a lively midfield partnership alongside Hooker.

Hooker has clearly been energised by the youthful talent around him and spoke about the pure instinct and appetite of the younger backs bring into the team.

"I love it. The guys are still young enough where they just have so much energy, and all they want is the ball and to do magic with it," Hooker said.

"Playing in a backline like that almost elevates me to start being hungry for the ball myself. Coming straight out of school, some of the things they can do are quite miraculous.

"Sometimes they make a few mistakes, and that's where myself and Andre come in to keep them level-headed and help them a bit, but you can learn a thing or two just off their pure instinct."

While the Sharks head into the fixture in solid form, Hooker is under no illusions about the scale of the challenge at Thomond Park.

"Any team would be a fool to go into this game and underestimate them, especially at home with that crowd and the passion of the Irish fans," Hooker said.

"They love having the ball in their hands and trying to stretch you. For us, this is one of our biggest games, and we're going to give it everything."

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