Execution Praised By Pietersen As Sharks Turn The Corner

Sharks coach JP Pietersen praised his side’s ability to stick to the plan and execute effectively as back-to-back derby victories have given the Durban-based side renewed optimism for their season. 

The Sharks produced a wonderful come-from-behind triumph to ensure their second successive win against the Stormers in as many weeks – following victory the week before in Cape Town – and subsequently a double over their coastal rivals.

They conceded an early try just 22 seconds into the match and were breached again inside the opening five minutes of the second half, handing the Stormers a ten-point lead. Despite that, the Sharks’ never-say-die mentality and commitment to the process laid down by coach JP Pietersen proved decisive.

“The fighting spirit is there. Perhaps we need to start faster,” said Pietersen. 

“I’ve asked them to be obedient in the system, and they’ve done well.”

“Credit to the Stormers who put us under pressure and caught us off guard,” Pietersen admitted. 

“That’s what I asked the boys on Saturday. We want to see a fighting spirit. We’re not about talking but about doing and making the badge proud.

“Grant (Williams) and Jaden (Hendrikse) were outstanding with their kicks. Edwill Van Der Merwe was good and won balls back for us as well as Jaco (Williams) on the other side,” he mentioned. 

Over the past two weekends, the Sharks have been ruthlessly efficient against their Cape Town counterparts, consistently turning opportunities into points in both encounters.

“We converted points, and it was the same in Cape Town. We were direct and aggressive. The standout for us when we got into the 22 is that we converted and came away with points,” claimed the Sharks coach. 

Completing a double over the dominant Stormers, who had been unbeaten and top of the URC before meeting the Sharks, was another sign of progress for the squad, which displayed greater levels of discipline than their opponents. 

“Before last week, the Stormers were undefeated and number one in the URC, but it’s the implementation and execution of our game plan, and with that execution, you need discipline,” he added.

Pietersen also pointed to the emergence of several players as evidence of the group’s growth.

“What I do like about the group is that the youth and experience are mixing nicely.”

“Jaco (Williams) played twice this week, Phatu (Ganyane) showed it last week, Nick Hatton showed it this week, so it speaks to the growth in the group. It gives belief when the guys are putting their hands up.”

Pietersen has always spoken highly of his captain and confessed that leadership within the group also played a key role, with Andre Esterhuizen earning special praise.

“The leadership of Andre (Esterhuizen) helps massively. Andre loves a challenge and getting up for them. He leads well. He not only talks but also does a lot for us, so that’s a massive credit to the group.”

At the start of his tenure, Pietersen was adamant that he wanted the club to return to a mindset fostered in hard work, resilience, and pride for the jersey. Reflecting on his earlier message, Pietersen believes the mindset is shifting, though consistency remains the challenge.

“There’s always a question mark,” he said. “The half-time chat didn’t work because they scored immediately, but credit to Andre for pulling the guys together. To be 10 points down, you feel like you’re not in the game. The challenge is whether we go back to our default system or back it up. The boys stood up,” Pietersen said proudly. 

With momentum building, the Sharks head into a two-week break to recharge before they prepare to take on the Lions at Ellis Park on 21 February.