Sharks coach JP Pietersen has clarified the role of former All Blacks centre Ma’a Nonu heading into the new URC season.
The 44-year-old made his Sharks debut against his countryman last month after joining the Durban-based club in a mentorship role.
“Ma’a is still a mentor and he’s helping the centres with preparation and skill sets,” Pietersen said. “They’ve got a 6:30am class every morning.
“He’s been a massive help, with [utility back Zekhethelo] Siyaya too, just to upskill him and speed up the process of learning faster and gaining experience off the field before he gets on the field.”
Asked whether Nonu remained available to play in the URC, Pietersen said: “He’s available if we’ve got a lot of serious injuries. But at the moment, we’re all good. We’ve got Jurenzo Julius and Murray Koster in the centres, and Suleiman Hartzenberg, who’s joined us from the Stormers.”
ALSO: Four captains for Sharks
The Sharks kick off their campaign in Durban next Saturday against the Ospreys, who won the last meeting between the sides 21-17 in Bridgend.
It was a controversial game, with Sharks wing Ethan Hooker suffering a dislocated shoulder when Ospreys wing Luke Morgan dived on him after he had scored a try. The Sharks also questioned the extent of the Ospreys’ front-row injuries that led to uncontested scrums.
MORE: JP maps out Sharks’ Bok plan
However, Pietersen dismissed suggestions that his team would be out for revenge at Kings Park.
“I think what happened last season happened last season,” he said.
“We’re excited about playing a home game to start off with. We will focus hard on the Ospreys, respect them highly and give all our energy, and hopefully we have a good start next Saturday.”
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
The post Pietersen on what’s next for Nonu appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Sharks coach JP Pietersen has clarified the role of former All Blacks centre Ma’a Nonu heading into the new URC season.
The post Pietersen on what’s next for Nonu appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
