JP Pietersen, coach of the Sharks team, believes that pre-match excitement is an important element for the young squad preparing for the new season. He urged the Durban players to accept the upcoming event rather than overthinking it, emphasizing that composure and adaptability are as crucial as months of preparation for the new season.
British Rugby Championship
Pietersen noted that the Sharks team will face a test of nerves during the match at Kings Park on Saturday. He stated that despite thorough three-month preseason training, rugby is a sport that cannot be entirely planned, and adaptation to game conditions is always required.
The coach stressed that the main task on match day is to control nerves and remain focused on the field. He reported that although the team is in good shape, there have been changes in the squad. Vusi Moyo has taken a spot in the starting ten after Jordan Hendricks' injury.
Pietersen expressed confidence in the young backline of the Sharks, where Vusi Moyo plays at ten, and Jurenzo Julius and Murray Koster form a new partnership in the midfield. Koster returned to Durban after four years spent in Japan, and Julius, known as 'The Boogey Man,' is one of the team's most promising young talents.
Moyo's selection at the halfback position was due to Jordan Hendricks, who participated in the last Sharks vs. Lions preseason match, being excluded from the squad due to a minor injury. Pietersen noted that Vusi demonstrated promising results throughout the preseason, leading the group well over three months.
In Pietersen's view, the young attacking players can provide energy and speed, while the forwards bring necessary experience to stabilize the game. He highlighted the combination of experience and youth in the team. The attacking line has much talent, energy, and speed, backed by the experience of players like Vincent Koch, Phepsi Buthelezi, Nick Hatton, and Manu Tshituka.
The Sharks team also has a strong bench, featuring experienced Springboks Jason Jenkins and Ivan van Zyl, ready to fulfill any role the game demands.
Sharks vs. Ospreys Match
Sharks will also have to face the Ospreys team, which reached the initial round through an unusual route. The Welsh side spent a week of preparation at high altitude in Johannesburg, then arrived in Durban on Friday, using the conditions of Highveld to improve their physical fitness before Saturday's game.
Pietersen speculated that they chose the high-altitude route to test their bodies, as they have a match against the Lions scheduled for the second week. The Sharks' central line will face an interesting challenge from Australian newcomers Ospreys—Lawson Creighton and Lalakai Foketi. Although Marika Korobete, a former Wallabies winger, was supposed to strengthen the visitors' attack, she withdrew from the squad due to visa issues.
Pietersen expects Foketi and Creighton to bring attacking instincts characteristic of Australian rugby into the game. He noted that both players are ready for the challenge. Foketi comes from the Chiefs, and judging by the Australian style of play in Super Rugby, they enjoy moving and retaining possession over several phases, which will be something to watch in the match.
Sharks vs. Ospreys Squad
The Sharks squad includes 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Murray Koster, 11 Litelihle Bester, 10 Vusi Moyo, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Nick Hatton (c), 7 Manu Tshituka, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Phatu Ganyane. Reserves: 16 Esethu Mnebelele, 17 Nemo Roelofse, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Jason Jenkins, 20 Matt Romao, 21 Ivan van Zyl, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Zekhethelo Siyaya.
