URC: Bok wing Ethan Hooker backing Sharks' forwards to overpower Ulster

The Sharks have just two log points from their opening three matches. They lost to Glasgow Warriors, drew with the lowly Dragons and were comprehensively beaten by reigning URC champions Leinster in Dublin.

But all is not lost. The wounded squad returns to Durban for the next two rounds, where they host Ulster and Scarlets in what is slowly becoming somewhat of a fortress at Kings Park.

While the Irish team did a number on the Bulls last weekend, Hooker believes that the Sharks' Bok-laden pack has what it takes to put the squeeze on the Ulster forwards.  

"We just have to match that and overpower them," the 22-year-old told the press this week.

"Use our big forwards - our big, experienced forwards - to get over that gain line, and then just follow up with the backs and hopefully get those points.

"It's very exciting. Obviously, I want to come back to my home team, do my home team proud.

"I just feel the vibe is really good being back and you almost get that home sense of feeling and it's really good. I'm really keen to go out this Saturday and perform."

Hooker was thrust into URC action last week against Leinster - where he scored a great intercept try -  after a successful Rugby Championship campaign with the national side. It was his first extended campaign with the Boks and he is eager to emulate the Boks' champion attitude in the Sharks' jersey

"[The Springboks] are so clinical, especially when it comes to winning games, and I'd like to try to transfer that into our Sharks team and just create a culture around that."