Calling it a “lekker challenge” away from home, head coach JP Pietersen says Saturday’s Cape Town grudge match presents an opportunity for the Sharks to reinforce their DNA.
Pietersen’s men aim to make it a hat-trick of URC wins over the Stormers this week, triumphing 30-19 on 24 January in their last meeting at Cape Town Stadium.
Speaking on Thursday after naming his match-23 for the coastal derby, Pietersen could not comment on how the Stormers will feel after losing twice to the Sharks last season.
However, he noted Stormers rival John Dobson made no secret of his intention to field his best team, with the hosts likely to come flying out the blocks via their loose forwards and the power of Wilco Louw.
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“You can see from the look of the team that it’s going to be a lekker challenge come Saturday,” the 40-year-old said. “They want to go fast with the loosies they got and a good set-piece with Wilco coming back.
“Both teams have gone with the 6-2 bench split, and one thing they have in common is that it’s going to be a forward-physical battle.
“It’s a tough outing to play away from home. It’s an opportunity and a challenge for us to test our DNA and the way we want to play. We want to be fast, physical and relentless on Saturday.”
“If we can compete and stay fast, physical and relentless for 80 minutes, that will be the challenge,” he added. “We’ll adjust, test ourselves and see how it goes.”
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Pietersen highlighted Edwill van der Merwe and Ethan Hooker’s skills to counter Stormers fullback Damian Willemse, with the aerial game likely to be a key battle in the Mother City.
“Everybody’s just talking about the forwards all the time. It’s good that there’s going to be some backs as well,” the former Bok speedster joked.
“With the forwards, there’s the physicality, and obviously with the backs there’s the flair and the X factor. Both backlines are unbelievable – very skilful, with speed in both teams.
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“Obviously, the technical side of the aerial battle will be a big contest. The Stormers and the Sharks probably play a similar game with the aerial contest. Edwill showed last week against Leinster how good he is in the aerial spaces.
“Once a team wins the ball, it’s about how quickly you react and set the defensive line. And for the team with the ball, it’s about how quickly you move it and expose the defence.”
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
The post JP’s ‘fast, physical and relentless’ warning appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Calling it a “lekker challenge” away from home, head coach JP Pietersen says Saturday’s Cape Town grudge match presents an opportunity for the Sharks to reinforce their DNA.
The post JP’s ‘fast, physical and relentless’ warning appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
