Pietersen Backs Esterhuizen Captaincy Ahead Of Boks’ Perth Test
Hollywoodbets Sharks head coach JP Pietersen has sent his best wishes to hybrid star Andre Esterhuizen as he prepares to captain the Springboks against Australia in Perth on Sunday.
Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus made 13 changes to his starting lineup following South Africa’s 43–28 victory over the All Blacks in Baltimore, where the Boks clinched the inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
Only lock Eben Etzebeth and wing Ethan Hooker—both Sharks stalwarts—retained their places in the starting XV.
In total, nine players from the USA leg feature in Erasmus’ 23-man squad. The front-row cover comprises Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche, and Wilco Louw, with Lood de Jager providing lock cover and Jasper Wiese offering impact in the loose trio. Scrumhalf Morne van den Berg joins utility backs Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Quan Horn on the bench.
Erasmus expressed delight in handing the 32-year-old center the captain’s armband for the first time.
“He has captained the Hollywoodbets Sharks and brought immense value to our squad on and off the field, both at center and in the loose trio,” said Erasmus.
“He thoroughly deserves this opportunity. It further strengthens our leadership core, and we trust him to lead the team on Sunday.”
Speaking after the Sharks earned a five-try, 41–24 bonus-point win over Welsh outfit Ospreys in their United Rugby Championship (URC) opener at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday, Pietersen emphasized the significance of the achievement.
“It is a massive honor to play for and captain your country,” Pietersen said.
“Andre deserves it—he has been outstanding for us. We wish him and all the Sharks players in the Bok setup the very best. It won’t be easy against Australia, but the Springboks are in a great space where they can adapt to any challenge.”
While Esterhuizen made headlines internationally, the hero on the pitch in Durban was 19-year-old winger Luan Giliomee, whose brilliant two-try display anchored the Sharks’ home victory.
However, Giliomee’s long-term future lies elsewhere. The Vodacom Bulls recently secured the teenage prodigy’s signature on a three-year contract starting in July, meaning his stay in Durban is short-lived.
When asked about Giliomee’s match-winning performance, Pietersen’s body language betrayed his disappointment over losing the specialist flyhalf, though he kept his response lighthearted.
“We still have him for next week,” Pietersen quipped.
“He is an exceptional, unbelievable talent with incredible speed. It was the first time I’ve seen him run like that. I’m just grateful to have him available for [Leinster] next weekend.”
The Sharks host Irish powerhouse Leinster at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Round 2 of the URC next Saturday.
