“Usually We Would Have Given Up” – Pietersen Hails Sharks’ New Grit

Sharks coach JP Pietersen credited a high-risk, 30-minute front-row substitution for swinging momentum in their hard-fought victory over Cardiff.

Despite a scoreless second half in humid Durban conditions on Friday, the Sharks’ set-piece dominance secured a vital win before their European tour.

Pietersen expressed particular satisfaction with his side’s fast start to the match. The Sharks came out with intensity, setting the tone early against a formidable Cardiff outfit. 

However, the visitors responded strongly, scoring two quick tries to swing momentum and put the home side under significant pressure.

In response, the Sharks’ coaching staff made a pivotal decision late in the first half. 

Introducing a new front row on the half-hour mark proved to be a turning point, helping the team regain control and ultimately head into the break with a lead. 

“In the coaching box, we just felt we had to swing momentum and send the front row on just before halftime. It came off and worked and gave us the edge,” Pietersen said proudly. 

“It was good to finish the half in front because that gave us confidence going into the second half,” Pietersen noted, underlining the psychological importance of finishing the half in front.

A key area where the Sharks asserted their dominance was at the set piece. Pietersen highlighted the team’s effectiveness in the scrum, where they consistently applied pressure and earned penalties.

“We took control at the set piece. We scrummed well and scrummed for penalties. We mauled well. In the first half, when we got into the 22, we scored tries,” said Pietersen. 

The second half presented its share of challenges, however, with the Durban-based outfit not picking up any points. 

The Sharks struggled to convert their chances and were less precise in their territorial and kicking game. Pietersen acknowledged this as an area requiring improvement, especially with tougher conditions and fixtures ahead.

“In the second half, we couldn’t convert, and we were a bit sloppy in the territory and kicking game. It’s a department we could have been better at, but it’s a learning curve for us before we head overseas.”

Durban’s humid conditions also played a significant role in the match. Pietersen admitted the slippery ball made handling difficult, though he was pleased his side still managed to score three tries under such circumstances. 

“The conditions were extremely difficult. The ball was slippery, but we did well to score three tries in those conditions, and in the second half, we simply couldn’t convert. We were one pass away from getting over the line, but you must also give credit to the opposition for defending well,” he said. 

Encouragingly, Pietersen sees the performance as a reflection of the standards the team is striving to reach. 

“These are the standards we are striving for. We came off a high from last week (The Sharks beat Munster 45-0) and got challenged by a quality side like Cardiff. I congratulated the boys for staying in the fight,” he said, “Usually we would have given up, but there is clear growth in what we are doing.”

Noting clear signs of maturity compared to previous performances, where the team might have faltered under pressure.

Looking ahead, Pietersen remains optimistic. While a thorough review will focus on areas for improvement, he emphasised the positives – especially a strong defensive performance against a Cardiff side known for its attacking capabilities.

“We will have a hard review. We can look at how we can get better, but also at what we did well. Defensively, we were good, which is a massive boost for us against a Cardiff side that can score at will.”

With growing confidence and clear progress, the Sharks appear well-positioned as they prepare for the challenges of their upcoming fixtures abroad.