Coach JP Pietersen hailed the Sharks’ fighting spirit after they overcame a series of injury setbacks to claim a 36-21 win against Cardiff at the Arms Park on Friday night.
The Durban-based club scored six tries, but had to dig deep after captain André Esterhuizen limped off in the opening minute and three more players were forced off injured before the 50-minute mark.
The Sharks led 17-7 at half-time before falling 21-17 behind. However, Pietersen’s men responded with three unanswered tries in the final quarter to secure their third win in four URC matches this season.
“It just shows the character in the group and the belief in the group,” said Pietersen.
“When we were under the pump, [trailing] 21-17, playing against the wind, the old Sharks could have easily lost 50-17. But we stuck in there. Some great leadership from Nick Hatton. Emile [van Heerden] led as well in that period.
“We lost André early in the game, which was a little bit of a setback. We lost Phatu [Ganyane] also early in the first half, he injured his elbow. And then obviously we lost Jurenzo [Julius] at half-time.
“And then the second half started with Jason Jenkins also going off injured.
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“The beautiful thing about this team, the Sharks warriors, is that they found a way to get on with it and pull closer together,” Pietersen added.
“You must give massive credit to the group, to the players, for sticking in the fight and finishing the game off like that.”
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The Sharks now travel to Ireland to face Munster at Thomond Park next Saturday.
“We’re happy with the result and over the moon to get five points in Cardiff,” said Pietersen. “But we’re also keeping our feet on the ground, as we know we’ve got a massive game against Munster in Limerick.
“So we’ll enjoy tonight, reflect Saturday and Sunday, and hit the ground running Monday.
“And when we have the update on injuries tomorrow [Saturday] and Sunday, we’ll probably fly some guys in to help us finish off the tour.”
Photo: Kian Abdullah/Gallo Images
The post JP: Sharks warriors found a way appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Coach JP Pietersen hailed the Sharks’ fighting spirit after they overcame a series of injury setbacks to claim a 36-21 win against Cardiff at the Arms Park on Friday night.
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