Sharks coach John Plumtree says Ethan Hooker will return to the midfield once he’s further developed his game. SIMON BORCHARDT reports.

The 22-year-old made a big impact for the Springboks on the left wing during the Rugby Championship and will wear the No 14 jersey for the Sharks in Saturday’s Vodacom URC match against Leinster in Dublin.

Hooker is one of four returning Boks for the Durban-based franchise, with Makazole Mapimpi starting on the opposite wing, and prop Vincent Koch and hooker Bongi Mbonambi on the bench.

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Plumtree believes Hooker’s long-term future lies in the midfield, but says he’s thriving on the wing for now.

“I think over time we’ll see him move back into midfield. We’ve seen that with a lot of quality players in South Africa – Frans Steyn is one example. He started on the wing, then moved to midfield and even played 10.

“As Ethan gets more confident at this level and develops his skill set, playing at centre will be an option for us. He’s got all the attributes to be a real quality midfielder and I know that’s where he wants to be.”

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Hooker and Mapimpi will be key to the Sharks’ aerial game against a Leinster side expected to welcome back their British & Irish Lions contingent after resting them for their two-match South African tour.

“The modern game isn’t just about set-piece dominance – the kicking game is like another set piece,” Plumtree explained. “Often the team that wins that aerial battle wins the game because you can unstructure defences and create danger on attack. They are both really good in the air, as is Edwill [van der Merwe, named at fullback], so we’re happy with that combination.”

Plumtree also addressed the expected return of Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth, who launched his book in Cape Town on Tuesday and whose wife is due to give birth next Thursday.

“It’s a massive occasion for his family, so it’s important that if he plays against Ulster [in Durban] next week his mind is right on the job,” said Plumtree. “If it’s not, then he won’t play. We’ll make that call closer to the time.”

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Plumtree acknowledged the physical battle that awaits from Leinster, who conceded they lacked physical intent in their defeats to the Stormers in Cape Town and the Bulls in Pretoria.

“If Leinster felt they were lacking physical intent in South Africa, it’s the wrong country not to bring it to,” he said with a smile. “That’s a big part of the game. If you want to dominate collisions, your set piece has to function as well.

“We’re expecting that physicality, especially with it being their first home game. Facing a strong Leinster team after a couple of losses adds a bit more spice to it.”

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