Eager to Bring Home the Win: Ethan Hooker's Mission to Transform the Sharks' Culture
The Sharks are in need of a boost, and Ethan Hooker is ready to step up. After a challenging start to the United Rugby Championship (URC) season, the Durban-based team is looking to turn things around with their first win of 2025. But here's where it gets controversial...
The Sharks have been without several key players, including some Springboks, which has undoubtedly impacted their performance. However, with the return of players like Hooker, Makazole Mapimpi, and Bongi Mbonambi, the team is hoping to inject a winning mindset. And this is the part most people miss...
Hooker, who was part of the Springboks' Rugby Championship-winning squad, is determined to bring the world champions' mindset to the Sharks. He believes that by focusing on clinical play and creating a winning culture, the Sharks can turn their fortunes around.
'It's very exciting,' Hooker said. 'I want to come back to my home team and make them proud. I feel the vibe is really good, and I'm keen to perform this Saturday.'
However, the Sharks' challenge this weekend is not just about personnel. They are set to face Ulster, a confident Irish side that secured an impressive win over the Bulls last weekend. The Sharks will need to match their opponents' physicality and overpower them to secure a win.
'We just have to match their physicality and overpower them,' Hooker said. 'Use our big forwards to get over the gain line, and then follow up with the backs to get those points.'
The Sharks are hoping to bolster their team with the possible return of several Springbok stars, including Siya Kolisi, Grant Williams, Ox Nché, and André Esterhuizen. A decision on Eben Etzebeth's availability will be made later this week, following the birth of his second child.
So, will the Sharks be able to turn their fortunes around and secure their first win of the season? It's a question that has the rugby world on the edge of their seats. Will the Sharks be able to inject the winning mindset and create a culture of success? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure: Ethan Hooker is ready to take on the challenge and lead the Sharks to victory.
