Hooker Targets Statement Win As Sharks Face Ulster At Kings Park
Hollywoodbets Sharks utility back Ethan Hooker has described their upcoming Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash against Ulster as a massive opportunity to make a statement and secure their first win of the season.
The Sharks will finally run out in front of their home supporters at Kings Park Stadium on Saturday (16:00) for the first time this season, after opening their campaign with three consecutive away fixtures.
They began the season with a tough trip to Scotland to face the 2024 champions, Glasgow Warriors, followed by a defeat to Gragon, and another loss to reigning champions Munster in Dublin last weekend.
As they prepare to face Ulster, the Sharks have been boosted by the return of several Springbok stars who recently featured as the back-to-back World Cup champions claimed the Rugby Championship. Among them are Ox Nche, Eben Etzebeth, and Siya Kolisi, who join fellow Boks Bongi Mbonambi and Vincent Koch, both of whom came off the bench last week.
The backline also gets a major lift with Grant Williams at scrumhalf and Andre Esterhuizen at inside centre, while Siya Masuku earns his first start of the season after an impressive cameo off the bench last week. Jordan Hendrikse also returns from injury to provide depth among the replacements.
“I think it’s huge,” said Hooker. “It’s our first home game, and it’s a big one. We don’t want to lose at home, and I think we’re going to come out firing from the start — and hopefully keep that intensity for the full 80 minutes.”
Hooker, who has five Test caps for the Springboks, featured during the Rugby Championship — starting in the defeat to New Zealand at Eden Park and again in the victory over the All Blacks in Wellington.
The 22-year-old also started on the wing when the Boks beat Argentina in the penultimate Rugby Championship match at Kings Park and was again involved in the narrow 27–29 win over Los Pumas at Allianz Stadium in London — a result that saw South Africa reclaim the title.
“Running out at Kings Park again — I’ve really missed that feeling,” added Hooker, who will make just his second appearance for the Sharks this season. “The home crowd, the atmosphere, the cheers — I can’t wait to be back out there.”
Unlike the Sharks, Ulster have made a strong start to their campaign, winning both of their opening matches. The Irish province, formerly home to ex-Boks Duane Vermeulen and Steven Kitshoff, will pose a stern challenge.
However, the Sharks can draw confidence from their recent record against Ulster, having won three of the last four meetings between the two sides.
“Ulster, like any other top team, are very clinical and physical,” Hooker said. “We just have to match them, overpower them, and use our experienced forwards to get us over the gain line. Once the backs get the platform, we can turn that into points.”
