Pietersen Seeks Double Wins Over Stormers 

Sharks coach JP Pietersen credited his side’s composure, defensive commitment and ability to turn pressure into points after a hard-fought encounter against the Stormers this past weekend, and he is hoping for more of the same in the reverse fixture in Durban this Saturday.

While the team emphasized the set-piece in the build-up during the week, Pietersen was clear that their approach extended far beyond that area. With players like Sacha Feinburg-Mngomezulu and Damian Willemse providing X-factor in the backline, the focus was on executing a complete game plan.

“We focused on the set-piece, but you cannot only focus on the set-piece when you have players like Sacha (Feinberg-Mngomezulu) and Damian Willemse,” he said.

“The plan we did was good. We executed at times, sometimes we didn’t, but that’s part of the game. When things didn’t go our way, the boys showed fight and scrambled well.”

The Sharks, whose win was the first time against Stormers in the URC, put in a remarkable all-round team performance, handing the Stormers their first URC defeat this season, beating them in front of a capacity home crowd 30-19.

That fight and intent were evident from the opening exchanges, with Pietersen pleased by his team’s fast start and physical approach. 

“We had a fast start and put them under pressure to see how they would respond,” he explained.

“The contest was good aerially and defensively, the set-piece functioned well, and I felt we took our opportunities better than they did.”

Pietersen pointed to the Stormers’ unforced errors inside the 22 as a key factor, noting that while chances were created, their lack of execution proved costly.

“They’ll probably kick themselves. They created opportunities but couldn’t finish. That’s part of the game, and they’ll definitely come back harder next week.”

The Sharks coach acknowledged that opposing coach John Dobson would be frustrated by the fine margins that separated the two sides.

“They created pressure but didn’t convert it into points. We did. If we didn’t, it would’ve been a different ball game. That’s the difference between the two teams.”

A key theme for Pietersen was allowing players to trust themselves and play instinctively, rather than overthinking moments. 

“You want to coach teams to be themselves. It was about doing, not thinking too much,” he said. “I’m a young coach, but the credit must go to the players.”

He singled out several individuals for praise, including Phatu Ganyane, who impressed in a tough stint against Neethling Fouche, and captain Andre Esterhuizen, whose leadership stood out. 

“Phatu put his hand up and played a hard 30 minutes. Andre also led really well and challenged the group. I love the way he carries the team,” he said.

Pietersen emphasised a culture of action over talk, with players buying into a collective mindset – whilst also making it clear that the passion to play for the jersey is vital. 

“We talk about caring for each other and not caring about talking. You could see we cared about doing. Andre has been massive in challenging the group and leading through his actions. You want to make the jersey proud and show that you care.”

Looking ahead to a repeat fixture this week, Pietersen is confident but realistic about the challenge of backing up a strong performance.

“We’re playing the same team, so we won’t change much – maybe a tweak here or there and give it a full go again. In rugby, the challenge is always whether you can double up.”

The Sharks will want to inflict more damage on the wounded Stormers as they look to continue their revival under Pietersen.