Andre Esterhuizen started 2025 as a scarcely selected Springbok centre, but he ends the year as a destructive hybrid back-forward who could reshape how the national team and the Sharks play.
The new Sharks captain’s ‘minutes played’ pales in comparison to Damian de Allende, Lukhanyo Am and Jesse Kriel, but now his new role has given him a new lease on life.
He was at his scintillating best as the Sharks overcame Saracens in the Champions Cup last weekend.
ANDRE ESTERHUIZEN OOZING WITH CONFIDENCE
Andre Esterhuizen has a new-found confidence that is translating onto the pitch.
It is a confidence that has been instilled by a coaching staff that refuses to limit its players.
The Springboks’ brain trust have used Esterhuizen as a hybrid to devastating effect.
During the Test season, teams struggled to adapt – or stop – the Springboks simply because Esterhuizen offered a new dynamic.
SIMILAR DEPLOYMENT FOR THE SHARKS
He was mostly used off the bench in Test matches, but it was evident in the domestic game that even in a starting capacity, he can make an impact among both backs and forwards.
His continued development in the hybrid role could make him the next game-changer to come in the Springboks set-up.
The key is consistency in selecting him to a play a role in both backs and forwards for the Sharks.
This will in turn allow him to develop the nuances need for him to go from strength to strength in the national team as well.
The Bulls saw first-hand on Saturday as they tried -largely unsuccessfully – to contend with his power.
Is Andre Esterhuizen’s current role a glimpse into the future for all rugby players?
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