Sharks coach JP Pietersen says Saturday’s Vodacom URC clash with the Lions at Ellis Park is an opportunity for players to “put up their hands”.
The Sharks are without several senior Springboks such as Andre Esterhuizen and Siya Kolisi, who are being managed according to resting protocols.
Instead, Pietersen has handed opportunities to youngsters and fringe players as the Sharks look to build depth.
“It gives you that opportunity to see if the guys in between – those in transition from juniors to seniors, or seniors who haven’t had enough game time – are improving week by week,” Pietersen said. “It’s a great opportunity for some of them to put up their hands.”
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Pietersen pointed to Thomas Dyer, who has been selected to start at No 8, as a good example.
“It’s a great challenge physically and to see how how fast you can move and how well you can execute your skill set under pressure with a fast game and at altitude against a good lose trio,” he said.
“It’s going to be a good challenge for Tom, but he is more than capable enough to perform, and he’s been in our system for a long time.
“It will also be good to see how [flank] Tino Mavesere stands up against a good Lions loose trio.”
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A key selection is that of Jurenzo Julius at 12 instead of 13. Pietersen said that was to get him as close to the action as possible.
“It’s about his explosiveness, how strong he is in contact … you want Jurenzo to touch the ball more in a game,” he said. “The more touches he gets, the better for the team and the better for him because he is so powerful.”
Pietersen expects a high-tempo encounter in Joburg, especially after the Sharks’ slow start in the reverse fixture proved costly.
“They beat us in Durban and in that first half they showed how to put us under pressure,” he said. “They were clinical and got out to a 17-point lead early. They’ll take confidence from that.”
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Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
The post JP: Chance for young guns to show mettle appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Sharks coach JP Pietersen says Saturday’s Vodacom URC clash with the Lions at Ellis Park is an opportunity for players to “put up their hands”.
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