Lambie is strong mentally - Esterhuizen
Cell C Sharks face around two months without the injured Patrick Lambie.
Listen to the full interview here, or read the story below.
Andre Esterhuizen says the back injury suffered by Lambie is bad news for both the player and the team.
"We all feel for Pat. It is horrible. It has been injury after injury for him over the past three years or so. If it were me, I would probably quit rugby. Pat is a stronger person than me. I am sure he will bounce back. Pat always does. He is strong mentally and always comes back better. We hope he makes a speedy recovery," said Esterhuizen.
Esterhuizen is making a name for himself at inside centre for the Sharks.
However, Esterhuizen believes he still has plenty of work to do.
"There is a lot of room for improvement in my game. I do try to help other youngsters in the team. We have a new flyhalf involved this week and a few other youngsters. Communication is going to be important. We need to let the youngsters build their confidence and let them play their game," Esterhuizen said.
Esterhuizen believes in putting the team ahead of personal ambitions.
"Hopefully, we as a team can go far in this competition. If the team does well, it tends to go well for the individuals also. I think everyone has Springbok colours as a goal. We are all working hard for that and I hope to one day achieve it," Esterhuizen added.
Benhard Janse van Rensburg looks set to start at flyhalf in the absence of Lambie this week. Esterhuizen feels the former Pukke player has big boots to fill.
"All the flyhalves we have now are under 21. Losing someone like Pat is obviously a blow and you only realize it when he is gone. Pat has been key in the organization and communication out on the field. So there is a big role to fill for the youngsters. This week it is Benhard. It will be my first game with him. I am confident that he will do the job," Esterhuizen said.
Esterhuizen believes the Vodacom Super Rugby season has started well for the Sharks.
"It has been a great start to the season for us. There is still a long season ahead. Yet we are very happy with two wins out of three. The guys are looking positive," Esterhuizen added.
Lukhanyo Am has partnered Esterhuizen at centre this season to date. Esterhuizen feels they are combining well and growing as a centre pairing.
"Lukhanyo is a very good player. He had a loan spell at the Kings and then came back last year for the Currie Cup. We have been playing together since then and it has been very nice. I think we are only now starting to find each other and playing nicely together. He is a great guy and a very hard worker," Esterhuizen concluded.
"We all feel for Pat. It is horrible. It has been injury after injury for him over the past three years or so. If it were me, I would probably quit rugby. Pat is a stronger person than me. I am sure he will bounce back. Pat always does. He is strong mentally and always comes back better. We hope he makes a speedy recovery," said Esterhuizen.
Esterhuizen is making a name for himself at inside centre for the Sharks.
However, Esterhuizen believes he still has plenty of work to do.
"There is a lot of room for improvement in my game. I do try to help other youngsters in the team. We have a new flyhalf involved this week and a few other youngsters. Communication is going to be important. We need to let the youngsters build their confidence and let them play their game," Esterhuizen said.
Esterhuizen believes in putting the team ahead of personal ambitions.
"Hopefully, we as a team can go far in this competition. If the team does well, it tends to go well for the individuals also. I think everyone has Springbok colours as a goal. We are all working hard for that and I hope to one day achieve it," Esterhuizen added.
Benhard Janse van Rensburg looks set to start at flyhalf in the absence of Lambie this week. Esterhuizen feels the former Pukke player has big boots to fill.
"All the flyhalves we have now are under 21. Losing someone like Pat is obviously a blow and you only realize it when he is gone. Pat has been key in the organization and communication out on the field. So there is a big role to fill for the youngsters. This week it is Benhard. It will be my first game with him. I am confident that he will do the job," Esterhuizen said.
Esterhuizen believes the Vodacom Super Rugby season has started well for the Sharks.
"It has been a great start to the season for us. There is still a long season ahead. Yet we are very happy with two wins out of three. The guys are looking positive," Esterhuizen added.
Lukhanyo Am has partnered Esterhuizen at centre this season to date. Esterhuizen feels they are combining well and growing as a centre pairing.
"Lukhanyo is a very good player. He had a loan spell at the Kings and then came back last year for the Currie Cup. We have been playing together since then and it has been very nice. I think we are only now starting to find each other and playing nicely together. He is a great guy and a very hard worker," Esterhuizen concluded.
Twitter - @SportswaveAndre