Bok giant got the skills to Tonyball
10/07/2024 05:41 AM
No longer just a battering ram, Sharks centre Andre Esterhuizen has sharpened his distribution skills to thrive in South Africa’s gameplan under attack guru Tony Brown.
Speaking in a wide-ranging interview with Rapport, the Springbok World Cup winner believes his time playing alongside Marcus Smith and Danny Care at Harlequins has transformed him into the perfect fit for a running rugby style.
“My ball distribution has gotten better. It’s also about the kind of game that Harlequins play, and it’s more running rugby,” Esterhuizen told Rapport.
His time in London has honed his versatility, making him more valuable to the Bok midfield. “I definitely learned or improved quite a few new skills,” Esterhuizen explained. “I’ve always been able to do some of those things, but in every team, you play with a different game plan.”
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Playing with world-class talents like Smith and Care also enhanced his adaptability. “It depends who you play for and with whom you play. I played with Marcus and Danny Care, who are world-class players. This also helps and makes you look better. My versatility has definitely improved.”
Reflecting on his return to the Sharks and their 2024 Currie Cup triumph, the 30-year-old added. “I actually didn’t even realise it until Stephan Lewies sent me a photo from 10 years back at the Sharks in the week before the final.”
The Sharks edged the Lions 16-14 in the final, a decade after Esterhuizen made his Currie Cup debut. “Ten years later, I played in my first final, and luckily we were able to win it.”
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