Sharks JP Pietersen highly praised the performance of young players after victory over Lions

The Sharks team intensified its preparations for the United Rugby Championship after a convincing 66-0 victory over South Western Districts in George last Friday. Coach JP Pietersen expressed satisfaction with the growing cohesion of the team.

INTERNAL RUGBY

This friendly match was held three weeks before the Sharks' debut URC match against Ospreys, which is scheduled for September 26th at Kings Park stadium. Pietersen used the game to provide valuable playing experience to several players who impressed during the Currie Cup.

Despite the impressive scoreline, the Sharks coach was more interested in the physical test provided by the SWD team under the guidance of former Springbok and Bulls mentor, Heinke Meyer. Pietersen noted positive aspects of the game:

WHAT THE COACH SAID

'The connection between the forwards and backlines, how they played off each other, was pleasing to see,' stated Pietersen. He added that SWD provided a good test due to their powerful forward pack. 'Physically, they demanded a lot from us—in rucks, mauls, and ball retention. So it was a good test of fitness that we passed.'

The SWD team demonstrated significant progress during the Currie Cup, making them a useful opponent for the Sharks as they concluded weeks of preseason physical conditioning. Pietersen was also pleased with the opportunity to give chances to several reserve players so they could make themselves known before the URC begins.

The coach emphasized the importance of maintaining team health: 'The most important thing is that the Sharks went through this match without serious injuries; player reliability looks good,' he reported. He also noted that the team's level of physical readiness is high.

Before fully focusing on the URC, the Sharks will play another friendly match against the Lions in Johannesburg this Friday. Pietersen believes that the elements of the team are starting to come together: 'The connection, as I mentioned, between the backlines and forwards, is approaching some cohesion. It's great to see that we are building. It's good to see the guys showing themselves and playing as a team.'

All Blacks legend Ma'a Nonu is actively involved in the development of young talents at the Sharks franchise by conducting early morning sessions. His passionate commitment to the club inspires the next generation of players.

Nonu has taken on a new mentorship role in Durban, where he meets with the brightest young Sharks midfielders at 6:30 AM. These meetings include gym training, skills practice, and discussions about rugby. Coach JP Pietersen notes that Nonu's influence is already being felt.

The centre, who played 103 matches for the national team, was recently incorporated into the high-performance Sharks program as a mentor and immediately began working with the club's rising stars.

Nonu's Internal Club: Mentorship and Inspiration

Nonu organized his own early morning 'club' with a group of young Sharks players. JP Pietersen stated that 'Ma'a fit perfectly,' emphasizing that he had known Nonu since their time playing Super Rugby. He also mentioned that Nonu can provide feedback to him.

These young athletes gather every morning at 6:30 in the gym with Nonu, Jurenzo Julius, Murray Koster, and Litelihle Bester. During these sessions, they work out in the gym, practice skills and passes, and discuss rugby.

According to Pietersen, Nonu's extensive knowledge and experience can be particularly valuable. He assists young players with attacking play, understanding space, and most importantly, preparation. Pietersen wonders how players prepare before stepping onto the field: with a plan or without one.

Pietersen believes that such attention to detail can accelerate the development of promising young Sharks players. He added that Nonu challenges them regarding professionalism, which is a learning process for most of them. The coach expressed gratitude for Nonu being at the club at this stage of his career, hoping his knowledge will help the young players become established professionals.

Among those receiving knowledge from Nonu are junior players Jaco Williams (Junior Boks), winger Vusi Moyo, winger Donovan Don, and fullback Luan Giliomee. For players just starting their journey in professional rugby, having access to someone with Nonu's pedigree represents a significant opportunity.

Nonu had a brilliant career with New Zealand from 2003 to 2015, winning two consecutive Rugby World Cups in 2011 and 2015. He also played in 126 Super Rugby matches for the Hurricanes, as well as for the Blues and Highlanders. After ending his playing career at Toulouse, where he scored 100 tries.

Nonu occasionally takes to the field, as he did when playing for the Sharks against the All Blacks during the 'Greatest Rugby Rivalry' match, demonstrating his memorable haka response. However, his greatest contribution to the Sharks will be made behind the scenes.

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi returned from injury and secured a victory over the All Blacks. This match allowed the Springboks to level the series in the 'Greatest Rugby Rivalry' at 1–1 on home ground.

Kolisi expressed gratitude to the people of South Africa for their support, noting that the team managed to recover after the loss in Ellis Park last week and defeat New Zealand in the second test match. He highly praised the contribution of the coaching staff and the unwavering support from the South African public.

Kolisi thanked the people of South Africa, saying: 'Thank you very much to the people of South Africa.' He acknowledged that the previous week was difficult, and the All Blacks played very well in Ellis Park, but he expressed appreciation for the plans developed by the coaching staff that helped the team succeed. He emphasized that they missed opportunities last week, but were able to capitalize on their chances this week, earning a draw in the series at 1–1 on South African soil.

He also noted that the fans' support remained constant despite the disappointment of the loss in Ellis Park. 'Even when we lost, the support was here, and we thank South Africa for helping us get through this night,' he stated. Kolisi added that the victory was achieved for those who attended the stadium, watched the game on TV, or could not afford to watch it.

Kolisi particularly highlighted the role of coach Rasisi (Erasmus), who reminds the team that their duty is not just theirs or their families', but that of the entire South African nation, calling it a privilege.

The players were aware of the disappointment after the loss in Ellis Park, but they were inspired by the fans who continued to come in large groups. Kolisi noted that despite the low morale after the defeat, the fans still came out in large numbers.

This victory made the series even, and the third test match will take place in Soweto. Kolisi called the series tied, noting that this week's match is important as many players are playing in Soweto for the first time. He also emphasized the high intensity of the game, as they are playing against the All Blacks for the fourth time in a row.

Meanwhile, the All Blacks are analyzing the quick start by the Springboks, which put them on the defensive. New Zealand captain Ardie Savea admitted that his team created difficulties for itself by conceding an early goal. 'We cannot allow the Boks to get ahead of us so quickly, within two minutes,' said Savea. He added that he is proud of his team for holding on but failing to win, and that they 'lost the battle, but not the war' and intend to return with renewed confidence in Johannesburg.