Pietersen relishing winning culture
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New Sharks recruit Joe Pietersen described his transfer to Durban as a career move in the hope of joining a successful team.
Pietersen moved to the Cheetahs for the Super Rugby campaign earlier this year where they, like the Sharks, struggled in the competition. The 31-year-old is now relishing an opportunity to potentially be part of a successful team at the Sharks.
"I must say, in the past, the Sharks have been way more successful, Free State do have their strengths and I just felt it was a good move for me to come to Durban," said Pietersen.
"I obviously don't want to say anything bad about Free State, but for me this is a career move. I gained a lot of experience playing for Free State, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them.
"I also got to play in a different position – flyhalf – where I probably wouldn't have played there anywhere else in the country.
Having played at Western Province and the Stormers, a few appearances for the Blitzboks, as well as for Bayonne and Biarritz in France, before his Super Rugby stint with the Cheetahs this year, he brings a wealth of experience as well as knowledge of different kinds of play and conditions.
This, together with his versatility, make him a valuable addition to Sharks side.
"You learn a few new things each time you play for a different team and hopefully you can continue this when you are at a new team.
"There are a nice bunch of young guys coming through with good energy here and a few who have been around for a while – I think the mix is a good one and this is a great squad to be part of.
"Training has been good, the great weather helps and it’s all been going smoothly so we’re hoping to build on that."
Losing players means opportunities for others and he readily accepts that despite this setback, there are plenty of players ready and willing to take up the challenge.
"A lot of guys are away with the Springboks now and with the World Cup later, but this is something that a big union like the Sharks is now used to. It just means the youngsters have to step up.
"But a lot of the so-called young guys got a lot of experience during the Super Rugby competition because of injuries, and this means competition within our squad will be strong and the boys are pushing for spots."
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