The Sharks will play their first-ever home quarter-final in the United Rugby Championship (URC) this weekend, and facing former champions Munster will be a big occasion for the home side.
With a spot in the semis up for grabs, the Durbanites will need a team performance at Kings Park to shut out Munster, who have found a nick for winning play-off games away from home. Independent Newspapers looks at five Sharks players who must lead the side’s quest to the top four.
Two teams. Two Play-Off dreams. One epic Quarter-Final clash! 🔥
The odds? Almost too close to call — 47% v 53% for a Semi-Final spot 👀
Who’s got the edge when the pressure is on? 💪@Vodacom #URC | #SHAvMUN pic.twitter.com/xBRlNYD8rC
— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) May 28, 2025
Eben Etzebeth
He said this week his body feels rested for the play-offs which is an unusual thing considering the long season, but he will want to make up for lost time after his spell on the sidelines when the team forged on in his absence.
Etzebeth’s physicality will be key for the side if they look to get over the advantage line with some big carries. Equally, he will have to light the fire on defence and at ruck time to halt the cunningness of the Irish at the breakdowns.
They will look to get under his skin with off-the-ball stuff and that is where his leadership qualities will have to come through to avoid getting into the handbags.
🦈 The Shark Tank will be rocking… The stakes? Off the charts ☄️
This one’s got all the ingredients for a classic 👌
🎟️ Get your tickets now and witness knock-out chaos 👉 https://t.co/8gprazGSb2@Vodacom #URC | #SHAvMUN pic.twitter.com/xwMMnuHW9j
— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) May 24, 2025
Aphelele Fassi
The flying fullback is slowly but surely getting back into his stride after his injury layoff, and he was a shining light in their last game at home – a rather dull affair, but nevertheless won through his kicking boot.
There should be fewer kicking responsibilities on the shoulders of Fassi and. hopefully, his attacking prowess can come to the fore. The Sharks owe their supporters an exciting attacking display. But Munster’s kicking game could put him under pressure and defending against former teammate Thaakier Abrahams and Calvin Nash, Munster’s wingers, could be tricky.
Some wild kicks are in the running for @GILBERT_RUGBY Kick of the Month 🏉
Vote for your favourite kick below 👇#GilbertKOTM | #URC
— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) May 27, 2025
Jaden Hendrikse
The overall gameplay of the scrumhalf has been under some scrutiny over the last couple of performances, especially with the Sharks struggling to get their attack going in games where they should’ve had the upper hand.
With his kicking game, there is nothing wrong and it’s something that the side can fall back on if they are under pressure. But Durban will want to see some good tries scored on Saturday and how sharp and quick he is at the breakdown area will be important.
Hendrikse owes the team a performance that can take them into the semi-finals and it’s about time he delivers behind a strong pack of forwards.
Ox Nche
The chief destroyer of the Sharks’ scrum will look to feast again against his opponents. He has been at the helm of the powerful scrum the side produces over the season and will look to carry that form into the playoffs.
Let’s fill up the TANK!
🎟️: https://t.co/YXC8eHhqDt@Vodacom #URC #SHAvMUN pic.twitter.com/UOgFv0aQTG
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) May 28, 2025
Munster’s scrum could be one of the places the Sharks will look to attack and with Nche alongside Boks Vincent Koch and Bongi Mbonambi, they should have too much firepower for their opponents. The ball-carrying abilities of the prop, when his side is on the attack, could be another attribute that can work to their advantage.
Andre Esterhuizen
Ball possession on the front foot with his carries to generate some quick attacking balls for the backline – that is what the Durbanites will want from their Springbok centre in the quarter-finals.
In his last clash, he made around nine successful carries for the team, winning metres, but they just couldn’t capitalise on the attack. He will be crucial with the ball in hand if they want to avoid another game with no tries scored. The big left boot of Esterhuizen can also be a handy weapon if they utilise it properly, especially when they find themselves under pressure in their half.
