Hollywoodbets Sharks coach JP Pietersen has dedicated the team’s 54-19 victory over Zebre in the final game of their URC season to their supporters.
That result at Hollywoodbets Kings Park brought the curtain down on a season of highs and lows for the Durban franchise, who may have failed to make the playoffs but have managed to build a solid foundation ahead of their next campaign.
‘It’s a good ending for the fans that’ve been with us through the difficult times, just to give them something,’ said Pietersen. ‘That’s what I’ve been asking the boys, just to give the fans something that they can talk about.
‘We don’t have to look back at our last game, but we can talk positively about our last game and how we can take them to pre-season. But most of this game went out for the fans and obviously for the boys that just been stuck in there the whole season.’
The Sharks finished in 10th place, far off what was expected of their star-studded squad, and while they did manage to improve matters when Pietersen took charge several games into the season, one win from their opening six meant they were always going to struggle to make the quarterfinal cut.
Looking ahead though, their eight-try display on Saturday bodes well for the future, with many youngsters impressing with all in hand. In particular, their 10-15 axis shone, with debutant flyhalf Vusi Moyo and fullback Zekhethelo Siyaya both contributing with tries.
‘Yeah, you’re always going to get that [attacking enthusiasm] with the young kids,’ said Coach JP. ‘I think it [the team] was 60% under 23, so you’re always going to get that. I think the balance was good.
‘Andre [Esterhuizen] knows when to slow it down and carry. But, it feels like the younger guy was Ox [Nche] on the field today with his energy and the way he was moving the ball. So, it’s just beautiful to see what the young kids can do to the more experienced guys.
‘It was a great performance. There’s always going to be errors, which is part of the game. But the balance of this group is beautiful. We got the pieces now, it’s just how we can put it together.’
The former 2007 World Cup champion went on to praise his charges for the grit and determination they’ve shown in the face of the adversity they’ve had to deal with over the course of the campaign.
‘I think we showed resilience the whole season. I saw we did put some pride in the jersey from December to now. There was fight in every game we performed. It’s just unfortunately some results didn’t go our way. That’s why we sit where we are, and some people will say it’s a disappointment. But I see it as a learning curve, because to find your identity, you need to have identity. And I think what’s shown today, we were fast, we were physical, and we were relentless. And it’s something that’s identity we want to work on going into next season.’
Given the number of youngsters being blooded by Pietersen and his coaching staff, things are looking encouraging ahead of next season.
‘It’s just beautiful to see the young guys put their hands up. It’s always tough, we don’t [always] know when to blood them, or, to put them in a campaign. And by default, it worked. Injuries happen, and an injury gives another guy an opportunity to put his hand up. And it’s just beautiful to see that Vusi put his hand up today. He was a bit nervous in the beginning, which is normal. This kid is 19-years-old.
‘Then obviously with Jurenzo [Julius] being more of a senior guy now, putting his hand up. And then you got Jaco [Williams], you got Lily [Bester], you got Siyaya. That’s exciting what we got in the backs.
‘And with Matt Romao in the forwards with Nick Hatton. Phatu [Ganyane], our Breakthrough Player of the Year. It’s exciting for what we built, and also it’s good for me to work and, and fall back to that. Our depth in squad looks better than last season.’
With the season now over, Pietersen says his players will use the break to wind down and enjoy a proper reset.
‘It’s good to have a mental break, a break completely away from the game. I think it’s good for them to go meet up with their loved ones, family — just break away from rugby.
‘And then obviously come with next season with a different mindset of not just wanting to compete, but wanting to win things. So that will be the challenge to the group.’
