“The Mindset Shift”: Esterhuizen Reveals How Sharks Will Fix Away-Day Hoodoo

Hollywoodbets Sharks captain Andre Esterhuizen is targeting four consecutive wins to secure a URC top-eight finish. Currently tenth, the Sharks face Ospreys on Saturday, needing to improve a record of just one away win in seven matches this season.

Occupying tenth place on the table, qualification for the play-off round is still on the cards. Esterhuizen emphasised that the team is in a confident mood as they prepare for the tie against Ospreys. 

“The mood in the camp is great at the moment,” said Esterhuizen. “The group is very motivated. We haven’t been the best on the road this year, but it’s something we’re looking to rectify.”

The Sharks have endured a difficult run on the road in the URC all season –  managing just one away win from seven matches – a victory over the Stormers in Cape Town. Of the remaining fixtures, one ended in a draw against the Dragons, while five resulted in defeats.

Esterhuizen echoed head coach JP Pietersen’s emphasis on consistency, highlighting it as a key area the team is determined to improve.

“That is something we have been lacking this season,” he said. “Consistency in performance, not always results. We know if we’re performing well, we have a good chance of winning our matches,” he added. 

With a plethora of stars returning after naming a formidable touring side for this European leg – against Ospreys and Edinburgh – striking a balance between matters off the field, while maintaining the intensity on it – has never been more pivotal.

“That is something we also work on,” mentioned Esterhuizen. 

“You need to be switched on as soon as you get onto the field. It’s a big mindset shift and also where the consistency comes in. 

“You cannot want to play one game and then switch to another game. It’s a tough competition, and you need to be on it every game,” he reasserted. 

Ospreys are one place beneath the Sharks, and the two sides have near-identical records.

While the Sharks hold the edge in the head-to-head, with three wins to Ospreys’ one from four meetings – it was the Welsh side that came out on top the last time the teams met in Swansea.

Esterhuizen is under no illusion as to the challenge that awaits them.

“Ospreys are tough to play, especially away from home. They are a physical side but have an attacking style and like to move the ball around.”

While performances remain a priority to the Sharks and results are vital, Esterhuizen does not anticipate any significant challenges posed by the conditions awaiting them. 

“The heat is the only change. We play in Durban, where the ball is very slippery, so if it rains, the wet ball won’t be too much of a problem for us.”

Often praised by head coach JP Pietersen for his leadership qualities, the Sharks captain credited those around him for helping him steer the ship.

“It has been a challenge for me, but I am enjoying it at the moment. I’ve got a great bunch of guys to work with. They need someone to follow, so it’s up to me to lead by example,” he concluded. 

Having been knocked out of the Challenge Cup, securing a place in the URC playoffs now appears to be the only way for the Durban-based side to extend their season.