JP backs Sharks youngsters to step up after Bok departures

REACTION: Sharks coach JP Pietersen was encouraged by the way his young players stepped up in the absence of several Springbok stars as the Durban side launched their Vodacom United Rugby Championship campaign with a convincing 41-24 bonus-point victory over the Ospreys at Kings Park on Saturday.

Man of the Match Luan Giliomee scored two tries, while Janco Purchase grabbed his opportunity after being drafted into the starting XV shortly before kick-off, with Pietersen delighted to see the Sharks’ next generation making their mark.

The Sharks have lost established Springboks including Siya Kolisi, Grant Williams and Aphelele Fassi, but Pietersen believes those departures also create opportunities for the youngsters coming through the system.

“It is what it is, you know. Players want to move on. They want to challenge their journey somewhere else. But it gives opportunity,” Pietersen said.

“That’s always the game. If you look at our team today, we looked at this as a young backline and I was quite nervous as a coach.

“We’ve got a good, experienced pack and you just want them to build and be cohesive from the minute they go.

“And then obviously, you can see six minutes into the game, there’s a bit of a back and forth, we couldn’t get over the line and then all of a sudden something happens because of individual brilliance and then things start going.”

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Giliomee was at the heart of the Sharks’ attacking display, with the young back joining the Bulls before the end of the year, but Pietersen was delighted to have the opportunity to work with him before his departure.

The coach described the youngster as an “exceptional talent” and highlighted his ability to read the game and exploit space.

“Exceptional talent. You can see what he’s got. He understands the game. He understands space. He’s got speed.

“First time I saw him running that fast, so he’s got speed, and he’s got a kicking game too. So, unbelievable talent.

“Yeah, I’m just grateful that I had time with him, and we’ll still have him next week.”

While Giliomee grabbed the headlines, Purchase also impressed after being handed a late opportunity when Murray Koster withdrew through injury.

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Purchase played a key role in Manu Tshituka’s first-half try and earned praise from Pietersen for the way he responded to the late call-up.

“We talk about Gilly [Giliomee], but we had Purchie [Purchase] here who did everything right, coming in at the last minute. It just shows how professional he is.

“He’s a smart kid who wants it, and you can see from the performance he put in today that he grabbed the opportunity with both hands.”

Pietersen also credited the Sharks’ junior system for preparing young players to make the step up to URC level.

“It’s just great that we can complement the junior system that builds confidence and equips the young players to come through.

“And then when you give them opportunity at the URC level, you can be grateful for the junior system to equip the kid that he can take opportunity, and which he did today.”

The Sharks coach admitted the performance was not perfect, but was more than happy to take the result as his side made history by claiming their first-ever opening-round URC victory.

“If you win ugly you’ll be happy,” he said.

“I’m pleased with the performance, and pleased to get a win at home. I think it’s the first time the Sharks have won their first game in the URC.

“The stats will say there were a lot of handling errors from us but that comes when you go forward, you want to move the ball. If we win, I’ll be happy with four points. Today, we got five.”