Interim coach JP Pietersen says he is energised by the challenge of righting a listing Sharks ship as they prepare to host Saracens in the Investec Champions Cup on Saturday. LINDIZ VAN ZILLA reports.
Pietersen, appointed after John Plumtree stepped aside, admitted the past week had been a whirlwind, but said the response from the players convinced him the Sharks can reset quickly.
“When I was asked to help the Sharks out, it was easy to say yes,” Pietersen said. “This organisation has done so much for me. I’m excited for the challenge, and I believe we can turn things around. The players had some honest conversations this week, and the energy’s been good.”
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A youthful Sharks team lost 56-19 to Toulouse in France and will look to get their Champions Cup campaign on track against Sarries.
A major talking point straight out the blocks is Pietersen’s decision to hand the captaincy to Andre Esterhuizen, the powerful centre playing his 100th match for the Sharks on Saturday.
Springbok and former Sharks skipper Siya Kolisi returns to the starting lineup, but Pietersen insisted Esterhuizen was the natural fit to lead.
“For me, Andre was an easy choice. He’s an old Sharks man who knows this place inside out. The way he plays, he asks a lot from the players around him. Siya has huge responsibilities with the Springboks, but this was simply the right role for Andre,” said Pietersen, confirming Esterhuizen will be captain for the rest of the campaign.
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Pietersen also explained his key selection calls – most notably starting Griquas Currie Cup winner George Whitehead at flyhalf, with Jordan Hendrikse on the bench.
“It was a disruptive week with the travel from France. George has been here [in Durban] running the show, training with the group, while Jordan only arrived back on Tuesday. It’s a great opportunity for George, and Jordan will add impact off the bench.”
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The Sharks welcome back a host of Springboks, including Bongi Mbonambi, Kolisi, Grant Williams, Ethan Hooker and Aphelele Fassi, who returns from an ankle injury.
“Fassi’s been training with us for three weeks,” said Pietersen. “He’s fit, mentally in a good space and excited. Will he be a little rusty? Maybe. But he’s experienced enough to handle it.”
Explaining the decision to start Hooker alongside Esterhuizen in the midfield, Pietersen said: “Ethan has always been a centre, although it feels like he’s always helping out on wing and he does a phenomenal job on wing. But we want to give Ethan a chance at [outside] centre and I think it’s a great opportunity for him to play there.”
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Saracens hammered Clermont 47-10 in London last weekend and despite their undoubted quality, the former Sharks and Springbok wing was optimistic.
“They’re a world-class side, but we want to show our fight. We’ve been lacking a good performance. Hopefully tomorrow we can deliver an 80-minute one that makes our fans proud.”
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Interim coach JP Pietersen says he is energised by the challenge of righting a listing Sharks ship as they prepare to host Saracens in the Investec Champions Cup on Saturday.
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