Pietersen defiant after Sharks’ late Lions loss
REACTION: Three missed conversions and two missed try opportunities came back to haunt the Sharks, as replacement Lions scrumhalf Haashim Pead capitalised to snatch victory for the visitors in the 81st minute in Durban on Saturday.
But Sharks coach JP Pietersen did not want to point fingers at any of his players afterward or dwell on missed opportunities.
His side earned a bonus point for scoring four tries while the Lions scored three.
Flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse left his kicking boots at home as he missed three relatively easy conversion attempts. At the same time, two more tries were disallowed when Phepsi Buthelezi was held up over the line, and another try was chalked off for a knock-on in the build-up.
“We had two clear try-scoring opportunities. In hindsight, we take the three points; they miss the kick, and we win. I won’t say that is the defining moment of the game,” the coach explained, referring to his side turning down a few kickable penalties late in the match in favour of going for a decisive try.
“I’m happy we came back into the game from 0-15. I’m proud of the boys for their fightback and the way we played.
“But it’s rugby, it’s unpredictable, and the local derby is always unpredictable. We must give credit to the Lions. They have been good. When they got opportunities, they used them.”
“I also don’t think we should point fingers at conversions. We scored tries that were pulled back, and that’s potentially 10 points as well. It’s not about one player,” the coach insisted.
THIS is what the match-winning moment felt like from the stands. 🦁🔥@vodacom #URC | #ForOurCity | #SHAvLIO#LionsPride🦁 pic.twitter.com/lgFVBJK25r
— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) January 4, 2026
They had a chance to stretch their advantage to seven points after taking the lead for the first time halfway through the second half, but a scrum penalty in front of the posts was turned down in favour of another set-piece, and the opportunity slipped away.
Asked if the decision had ultimately cost his team all five points, Pietersen said: “I won’t say it was costly. We had two disallowed tries, and if we had scored those two tries, or if you go for the scrum and Andre [Esterhuizen] scores, it’s a different story.
“It’s part of the game, and we live and learn.
Pietersen emphasised that coming off two wins (Saracens and the Bulls) and coming so close to beating the Lions indicates that the Sharks are on an upward trajectory.
“You can just feel it is coming. [The defeat] will take time to process.
“But like I said, I am proud of the boys. They give everything on the field. The Lions were just better.”
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