Ethan Hooker reaches major milestone as Sharks name team for Munster clash

The Sharks have won three out of their first four matches in the United Rugby Championship this season and Hooker believes they are making good progress, with the coaching staff establishing a clear game plan and identity that the squad has fully embraced.

"The team is in a really good place and we're playing some really good rugby, there's a plan in place and everyone is just buying into it," he said.

"Things are starting to align and it's really working for us."

Hooker might only be 23 years of age, but after gaining 13 caps for the Springboks, he's already become a household name in South Africa and now finds himself almost a senior mentor to some of the youngsters in the backline.

"I love playing in this backline, the guys are still young and they just have so much energy, all they want is the ball and to do magic with it. Playing in this backline elevates me to be hungry for the ball myself.

"Some of the things they can do is almost miraculous but they manage to pull it off. Sometimes they make mistakes but they're so naturally talented that you can learn a thing or two off their basic instincts."

Casting his eye towards Munster, Hooker warned that it won't be easy when the teams meet at Thomond Park.

"There's no underestimating them, playing at home with their crowd behind them, the passion of the Irish fans and for us, this is one of our biggest games.

"Our focus is on being good on tour and picking up as many points as possible. We hold Munster in high regard, we have a lot of respect for them, but we have our systems and game plan in place and we're going to give it everything."

Sharks - 15 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 12 Ethan Hooker, 11 Jaco Williams, 10 Gianni Lombard, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Nick Hatton (captain), 7 Manu Tshituka, 6 Matt Romao, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Ethan Bester, 1 Ox Nche.

Replacements: 16 Esethu Mnebelele, 17 Cameron Dawson, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Stephan Lewies, 20 Vincent Tshituka, 21 Ivan van Zyl, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Litelihle Bester.