Sharks meeting season objectives

REACTION: Sharks head coach JP Pietersen praised his side’s character in their 31-23 victory over Western Province in the Currie Cup.

Pietersen conceded that his side didn’t fire at all cylinders, but showed the necessary character to bank the full house of points against Western Province.

“It’s a bit scrappy first half, we never looked like we were in control of the game.

“We were a bit disconnected on our attack, we were frustrated at moments in the game but it just showed the character in the group that we found a way to score tries.”

He added: “Massive credit to Eduan Keyter – he was the one who sparked the attack in the game.”

When asked if the URC players will join the Currie Cup team ahead of this weekend’s clash with the Griffons –  Pietersen explained the pre-plan the Sharks had for the season.

“We spoke before the competition started, so Plum [John Plumtree] will take over going into the Griffons game.

They will go straight into Griffons and Bulls so they will start their prep for the URC and I will go back to Under-21.”

Pietersen took responsibility for the Sharks’ decision to go for touch instead of taking the penalty attempt and stretching their lead beyond seven points.

“I think it’s my call, the players wanted to go for the three points, but I just felt like there were about eight minutes left on the clock.

“I just felt like if we can be down here and kill the game and take time out of the game.

He added: “Obviously we weren’t successful with the try but the whole plan was just to kill time and give Province less of an opportunity to play in our half.”

When asked by @rugby365com if the goal was to chase a top-two finish, Pietersen stated that their objective is to never look at the standings.

“We never look at the table as a goal, we’re always looking at blooding youngsters. That was our No.1 objective in the group… obviously looking at a complete performance as a group.”

“We are all players, we are competitive so we want to win.

“I can never tell an oke ‘don’t go out and win’. Naturally from seven years old, he’ll want to win so that’s more from the group itself, it’s leadership from Nick Hatton that demands more from the players and they wanted to make it something special.”

Pietersen also gave his thoughts to @rugby365com on potential youngsters getting a run in the upcoming URC season.

“I’d say some of them will be ready for the URC.

“It’s just to see who’s going to be the future, I think we mustn’t get too excited that they must play now.

“There’s still a process they need to go through, it could be nice if Plum [John Plumtree] can just blood them slowly in the URC.

“It’s also a different level and different competition we’re going to.”

“It shows there’s an exciting group, I think there are about 10 plus okes that we can build going into the future.”

On the injury front, heading into the final two rounds of the Currie Cup, Pietersen focussed more on the side’s available resources.

“It’s a part of the game we can’t control, but as I said, the URC team is coming in.

“It’s about 15 coming in, the group Plum [John Plumtree] got there in pre-season. Like I said a sprinkle of this group will join the Griffons game and it’s a a good mix from the guys that played continuously and the guys coming into rugby.”