Andre Esterhuizen is hoping the Sharks have turned the corner as they head into Saturday’s huge Vodacom URC derby against the Bulls in Durban. The Sharks won just one of their first seven matches in all competitions this season, but their fortunes changed last weekend when they claimed a 28-23 victory at home to Saracens in the Investec Champions Cup. There were tries from Boks Siya Kolisi, Aphelele Fassi, Edwill van der Merwe and Grant Williams as they picked up maximum points to revive their hopes of reaching the knockout stage. Now they turn their attention back to the URC for the meeting with the Bulls at a packed Kings Park as they look to move up from 14th on the log. Read SA Rugby’s digi-mag for FREE! Centre Esterhuizen was captain for the much-needed win over Saracens as he marked his 100th appearance for the franchise in style with a Man of the Match display. “Hopefully, we have turned the corner and can start building momentum,” said the 31-year-old. “During the week before the game, we had a lot of honest conversations. The players understood that they had to take accountability for everything that had happened. “I was proud of the boys for the way we got stuck in. It was tough, it was tight, my voice was almost gone from screaming on defence.” AFRICA PICKS: Sharks to sink bleeding Bulls at home It was the first game with former Springbok winger JP Pietersen at the coaching helm following John Plumtree’s decision to step down. “There were big changes, so we needed to reset and have a plan for the boys to follow as a team, not as individuals,” said Esterhuizen. “You could see the teamwork coming through, notably on defence. There were quite a few instances where we just kept tackling and tackling as a unit. I was very proud of the way we played. We have something to build on.” JP: Right time to back Jordan at 10 Esterhuizen is in the form of his life right now, having also been Man of the Match in the Boks’ 73-0 demolition of Wales in Cardiff last month. The 1.93m, 116kg powerhouse has been handed a hybrid role by Bok boss Rassie Erasmus this year, being employed in the back row as well as at centre. “It’s been a good experience. I have enjoyed it and I believe it is a good attribute for the future,” he said. “It offers so many more options. As you gets older, you learn how you can slot into different positions and it helps to get into the team more constantly. “You need to learn to adapt as a player. I think it helps me as a player personally and it helps the team as well.” MALLETT: Andre the Giant now the complete player Born in Potchefstroom, Esterhuizen started out with the Sharks more than a decade ago, then had spells in Japan and in England with Harlequins before returning to Durban last year. “I remember Andre’s debut,” said Pietersen. “I was playing when he came on the wing against the Hurricanes in New Zealand in 2014 and we played a lot of games together. “He’s grown so much. He’s become a proper all-round player – they call him the hybrid now. “I’m very proud of him. The way he leads, the way he talks, his decision-making on the field. I don’t need to step in much, which tells you he’s a natural leader.” Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images The post Hybrid hero helps Sharks bite back appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

Interim Sharks coach JP Pietersen has explained Jordan Hendrikse’s selection at flyhalf for Saturday’s Vodacom URC clash against the Bulls. Hendrikse takes the No 10 jersey from George Whitehead in one of two changes to the starting lineup that beat Saracens in the Investec Champions Cup last weekend. “Jordan’s first game back at 10 was against Toulouse [on 7 December],” Pietersen said on Friday. “He struggled with a bit of a shin splint before that, so we took our time bringing him back. “With Aphelele Fassi unavailable [due to concussion], we needed Jordan at fullback, but as a coaching group we felt this was the right time to give him the opportunity to lead the team at 10.” MORE: Sharks tweak team for Bulls battle Asked if that’s where he sees the 24-year-old settling, Pietersen replied: “In my eyes, he’s primarily a flyhalf. I trust him.” The coach explained that Whitehead, who is on loan from Currie Cup champions Griquas, will return to Kimberley after the Bulls match, paving the way for Hendrikse to have an extended run at pivot. “I think Jordan will do a great job at 10 and he is capable of doing it,” Pietersen added. “Will there be moments where things are a little bit off? Yes. That’s normal, it’s part of the game. But I trust his ability to bring the best out of the group.” Pietersen said he was “excited for the challenge” of facing a desperate Bulls outfit, who are eighth on the URC log but on a four-match losing streak. The Sharks, meanwhile, are 14th with just one win from six matches. “It’s an opportunity every week to get better. We looked at the positives from last week and how we can build on them. It’s been a good week, there’s good energy in the group.” AFRICA PICKS: Sharks to sink bleeding Bulls at home However, Pietersen is under no illusions about the threat posed by the Bulls, particularly up front. “They’ve got a very good squad,” he said. “With guys like Wilco Louw, Johan Grobbelaar and Gerhard Steenekamp, you can see what they bring. The scrum is a big part of the game and it’s going to be a battle. They’ve got a good pack, we’ve got a good pack – that’s what rugby is about. “We have to contest at scrum time, and they’ve got a good lineout with Ruan Nortje. Their loose trio is good too, with Marco van Staden, and the Sheriff [Elrigh Louw] is back. So it’ll be a good, physical game.” Read SA Rugby’s digi-mag for FREE! With both teams struggling for consistency, the former Sharks winger expects an intense contest. “For me as a player, it was probably my favourite and most challenging game to play. “On Saturday, it’s two teams that really want to put in a good performance. They’re desperate, we’re desperate. It’s a derby, it’s sold out, and hopefully both teams can bring the best out of each other and give the crowd something special.” Weather may yet play a role with a prediction of rain for Saturday, but Pietersen said some showers on Thursday allowed his charges to practice and prepare for any conditions come kick-off. Photo: Lionel Hahn/Getty Images The post JP: Right time to back Jordan at 10 appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

Former Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff believes financial exploitation by people close to players happens more often than many realise. Bryan Habana, the Springboks’ record try-scorer, revealed last week that his relationship with his father broke down after discovering money had been taken from him over several years. Speaking on the GameTime podcast, Kitshoff said the situation highlighted a broader issue faced by elite players, particularly those who come from humble backgrounds. “It’s tough. Within the sport, I think it happens more often than we think,” Kitshoff said. Read SA Rugby’s digi-mag for FREE! The 33-year-old explained that many players feel a deep responsibility to support those around them once they start earning professional contracts. “There are a lot of guys that go through other things, whether it’s family or supporting someone close to you,” he said. “Especially guys that come from rural areas, they give most of their money back to support their families and look after them. “Sometimes people think rugby players are super rich and have all this money in the bank, but a lot of it goes straight back to looking after family. That’s actually very noble.” MORE: Habana opens up on father’s betrayal He admitted Habana’s story struck a chord. “I also saw that interview. I knew the story from Bryan, but seeing it again, it’s tough to watch,” Kitshoff said. “You always hope a father and son have an unbelievable relationship, but as soon as money gets involved, it becomes tricky.” The post Kitshoff: Habana’s story isn’t unique appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

Rassie Erasmus dances to “Sister Bethina” during the December break. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Johan Erasmus (@rasrugby) The post Watch: Rassie feels Dezemba vibes appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

Coach JP Pietersen has made two changes to the Sharks starting XV for Saturday’s Vodacom URC match against the Bulls at Kings Park. Jordan Hendrikse starts at flyhalf with George Whitehead moving to the bench, while Hakeem Kunene replaces Aphelele Fassi, who left the field during last week’s Investec Champions Cup win against Saracens with concussion. KEO & ZELS: Delightful derbies double as Bok trials “Winning is always important,” Pietersen said after the Saracens clash. “It gives you belief, something to build on, motivation and confidence going into the next game. “We know the Bulls won’t be easy – they’re desperate as well – but what a challenge it’s going to be.” The Sharks are 14th on the URC log with just one win from six matches, and will wear limited-edition red and gold kit for SharksFest. Read SA Rugby’s digi-mag for FREE! SHARKS – 15 Hakeem Kunene, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (c), 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Phatu Ganyane.Bench: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 18 Mawande Mdanda, 19 Marvin Orie, 20 Matt Romao, 21 Nick Hatton, 22 Jaden Hendrikse, 23 George Whitehead. Weekend teams Forged in Fire Only available for SharksFest! Get yours NOW! https://t.co/WjKtB5LY18 pic.twitter.com/QZF1Cgjfzy — The Sharks (@SharksRugby) December 17, 2025 Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images The post Sharks tweak team for Bulls battle appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

Check out the match-day squads for this weekend’s Vodacom URC matches involving South African sides. STORMERS vs LIONS (Saturday, 3:30pm) STORMERS – TBC AFRICA PICKS: Handicap steal on red hot Stormers LIONS – TBC MORE: Cobus clash excites Krappie Forged in Fire Only available for SharksFest! Get yours NOW! https://t.co/WjKtB5LY18 pic.twitter.com/QZF1Cgjfzy — The Sharks (@SharksRugby) December 17, 2025 SHARKS vs VODACOM BULLS (Saturday, 6pm) SHARKS – 15 Hakeem Kunene, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (c), 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Phatu Ganyane.Bench: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 18 Mawande Mdanda, 19 Marvin Orie, 20 Matt Romao, 21 Nick Hatton, 22 Jaden Hendrikse, 23 George Whitehead. BULLS – TBC Read SA Rugby’s digi-mag for FREE! The post Weekend teams appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

Former All Blacks fullback Israel Dagg has questioned World Rugby’s decision to lower the tackle height for the 2026 World Rugby U20 Championship. The global body confirmed this week that the tournament will be played under a reduced tackle height law, with contact required below the sternum. The move marks the most significant step yet in a trial that could eventually be adopted at all levels. Speaking on Sport Nation’s Scotty and Izzy show, Dagg said he understood the motivation behind the law change, particularly in light of recent head-injury incidents, but questioned how easily players and officials would adapt. Read SA Rugby’s digi-mag for FREE! “You feel for the big men, particularly the South African locks, who are already struggling to get low,” he said. “We’ve got to try and change the way that we approach the game defensively and now teams are going to have to adapt and adjust, and look for certain ways to try and dominate the tackle. “The way that I played, and a lot of teams play, you’ve got one low and one high, and now there’s going to be a lot of concern for that player coming up high.” ALSO: SA Rugby sets national tackle age Dagg admitted the adjustment could lead to uncertainty, particularly in the early stages of the trial. “It’s probably going to be confusing as hell because, like everything and every change, there are going to be moments out there where you’re thinking, ‘what the hell is going on? Why is that decision being made? “Hopefully there’s some common sense prevailing in this, but I’m for it,” he added. “I think it’s a good opportunity to make some changes and potentially help some HIAs and head knocks.” ALSO: Junior Boks add Lions coach to set-up Photo: Timothy Rogers/Getty Images The post ‘Tackle trial to be confusing as hell’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

A New Zealand media report claims All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson had deferred selection queries to his assistants. According to the New Zealand Herald, several All Blacks players who approached Robertson for explanations over non-selection were told those discussions would need to take place with assistant coach Scott Hansen or forwards coach Jason Ryan instead. NZ RUGBY: Razor is All Blacks coach The report emerges amid an ongoing New Zealand Rugby review into the All Blacks’ 2025 campaign, which saw the side lose three of their 13 Tests and fail to secure the Rugby Championship title. The findings of that review are expected to be released at the end of January. The Herald has previously reported on widespread internal frustrations within the All Blacks set-up, particularly around issues of communication, trust, strategy and selection, with players allegedly providing “stinging feedback” on the current regime. Questions over Robertson’s operational role were also raised earlier this month after he told the Herald that Hansen “effectively operates in the role most would recognise as the head coach”. Those comments were later clarified, with the newspaper noting that Robertson maintains overall authority. “He has clarified with the Herald that he maintains a high degree of operational oversight, vetoes or amends tactical plans presented by assistant coach Scott Hansen and that he makes the final call in selection and operates in the same way as most other head coaches in the international arena,” journalist Gregor Paul wrote. ALSO: ‘Major addition’ to Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour However, the report adds that players seeking direct feedback on selection were still referred to assistants, further fuelling debate around how responsibility is distributed within the coaching group. Robertson took over from Ian Foster following the 2023 Rugby World Cup amid significant optimism, but results since then have done little to quiet scrutiny. Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Images The post Report raises further doubts over Razor’s authority appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

Maro Itoje will only return to action in the new year, with Saracens confirming the lock is still recovering from a knee injury sustained during the November internationals. Itoje has been sidelined since England’s victory over Argentina at the end of November and was initially expected to feature for Saracens before the end of the year. However, that timeline has now been pushed back, with the club taking a cautious approach to his recovery. MORE: JP brings joy as Sharks hold off Saracens “Maro is still carrying an injury from the autumn so we don’t expect to see him for a while. The time scale is a little bit vague at the moment,” said Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall. “He’s got a chance of being back for the Leicester Tigers game which is the first week of January maybe. Somewhere around then.” The 31-year-old has not required surgery, but the extended lay-off follows an intense run of international rugby, having captained the British and Irish Lions on their tour to Australia earlier this year. That workload also meant Itoje started the Premiership season late, missing Saracens’ opening three league fixtures. His next appearance is now most likely to come against Leicester Tigers on January 4, or in Saracens’ Investec Champions Cup clash against Toulouse the following week. While Itoje’s absence remains a blow, Saracens have received a timely boost ahead of Saturday’s Premiership encounter with Exeter Chiefs. ALSO: Dragons sign Currie Cup-winning star England hooker Jamie George is set to return after recovering from a hamstring injury suffered against New Zealand last month. “He’s worked really hard to get back and it’s going to be good to have him available again,” said McCall. Saracens will also have Theo Dan available after his citing for a dangerous tackle against the Sharks was dismissed. An independent disciplinary committee ruled that while Dan had committed an act of foul play, it did not meet the red-card threshold. “It was what we expected but we are happy that he’s available,” McCall added. Photo: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images The post Itoje sidelined until the new year appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

A Griquas Currie Cup winner has joined the Dragons ahead of the Welsh club’s  Vodacom URC clash against Connacht at Rodney Parade. Cebo Dlamini, who captained Griquas to their first domestic title in 55 years in September, joins the Men of Gwent with immediate effect, adding much-needed depth and power to their tighthead prop stocks. The Eshowe-born 24-year-old, nicknamed ‘Big D’, is no stranger to the URC and will be ready to hit the ground running for his new club. Dlamini, in fact, featured against the Dragons in the URC while on loan at the Sharks, and more recently turned out against Toulouse in the Investec Champions Cup. Dragons coach Filo Tiatia has been quick to praise the impact made by the 118kg scrummager since arriving in Newport. “Cebo has linked up with us, has quickly nailed his roles and has been awesome,” Tiatia said. “He’s a strong scrummager and a good learner who picks things up quickly. “He’s a good man and character. I’ve been impressed with the questions he asks and his deep understanding for learning. We’re down a few players in that position, so we’re grateful that he has accepted the opportunity to come and help. He’s a good addition.” READ: Ex-Bok moves from Top 14 to Pro D2 Dlamini attended several schools in KwaZulu-Natal before his talent came into sharper focus at Maritzburg College, where he made the 1st XV in Grade 11 and earned a place in the Sharks Academy. “I’d say my passion for rugby started in Grade 3,” Dlamini said. “Our principal used to call me ‘Beast’ because I would just run and tackle.” A closer look at our new signing, South African tight head Cebo Dlamini Croeso mawr Cebo #WeAreGwentRugby pic.twitter.com/gpkv5P6S0X — Dragons RFC (@dragonsrfc) December 17, 2025 His journey was not without setbacks, including a serious injury and academic disappointment after matric, before a Varsity Cup opportunity at Tuks reignited his career. Those experiences have shaped a leader. Earlier this year, Dlamini captained Griquas to their historic Currie Cup title, with the side stunning defending champions the Lions 27-25 at Ellis Park with a penalty after the hooter. The Dragons currently sit 15th on the 16-team URC log. Photo: Christiaan Kotze/Gallo Images The post Dragons sign Currie Cup-winning star appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

What the experts said about the Springboks in 2025 – and highlights of their dominant season. Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images The post Watch: World’s most feared rugby team appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

Dragons sign Currie Cup winning captain Cebo Dlamini from Griquas because of an injury crisis at tight-head prop.

Stormers flyer Dylan Maart is looking to emulate Kurt-Lee Arendse’s path to the Green and Gold. MORNÉ ESBEN reports. Maart’s Stormers journey may have begun as a loan deal from Currie Cup champions Griquas, but the electric winger is quickly making himself difficult to ignore. He scored a try on his Stormers debut against Munster in Limerick and backed it up with a brace against La Rochelle in the Investec Champions Cup last Saturday. MORE: Stormers wary of Lions’ bite Now, with his first appearance at the Cape Town Stadium looming, the Wellington-born speedster admits the past few weeks have felt almost surreal. “The past few weeks have been very nice, making my debut, playing overseas for the first time and obviously the results have been going our way,” Maart told the media ahead of Saturday’s derby against the Lions. “I’m very excited to play my first game at the DHL Stadium in front of the home crowd – exciting times.” For a player who was plying his trade in the domestic game not long ago, the shift has been dramatic and deeply personal. “If I think of where I was a year ago to where I am now, I never thought I’d have the opportunity to play here at the Stormers, so I’m very grateful and very excited.” NEETHLING: 100 Stormers caps ‘bittersweet’ While Maart is carving out his own identity in the Stormers back three, he’s also clear about the players who shaped his ambitions, and the one he continues to look up to closest to home. “For me growing up, it was Bryan Habana,” he said. “Cheslin [Kolbe] now, as well as one of my friends, Kurt-Lee Arendse. He lives in Paarl, I’m from Wellington so he’s a guy I look up to and can always ask if I need some advice.” Read SA Rugby’s digi-mag for FREE! Photo: Cole Cruickshank/Gallo Images The post Maart inspired by his good friend appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

The Junior Springboks have strengthened their coaching team ahead of the 2026 season. Junior Boks head coach Kevin Foote confirmed to News24 that Lions assistant coach Barend Pieterse will come on board in a consultancy role, filling the vacancy left by Bulls coach Johan Ackermann. Pieterse will remain with the Lions until the end of the year before linking up with the Junior Boks when their next training block begins in January. “It’s quite far down the track now, he’s signed up with the Lions and wants to be respectful and finish up with them until the end of the year,” Foote said. “From January, he’ll be joining us in camp. It’s a good signing for us.” The former Cheetahs lock has built a strong coaching résumé, including stints with Namibia at the World Cup and the Lions in the Vodacom URC, where he has been closely involved in forward play, breakdown work and lineout organisation. ALSO: Ex-Junior Bok switches Test allegiance Pieterse will work alongside Junior Boks attack coach Melusi Mthethwa and forwards coach Lumumba Currie, adding specialist input rather than replacing existing roles. “Lumumba is our forwards coach, so Barend will come in as a consultant and add to the lineout,” Foote explained. “As a player he was a good lineout caller, he understands the lineout well. We thought it was a seamless transition. “He understands from being an ex-player what it means to go through that development. We know he’ll be perfect in developing our guys as well as making sure we perform.” FULL STORY Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images The post Junior Boks add Lions coach to set-up appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.