Dunno about the Guppies winning with only 8 players :)
Dunno about the Guppies winning with only 8 players :)
2,193 posts
With a new captain at the helm and a fresh zest for battle, interim coach JP Pietersen is all charged up to steer the Sharks back to their fearsome form. Their next challenge? A face-off with Saracens in the Investec Champions Cup this Saturday. The shakeup follows a turbulent week after John Plumtree's departure, but Pietersen is nothing short of optimistic about the team's rapid recovery.
“When I was asked to help the Sharks out, it was easy to say yes,” Pietersen shared. “This organisation has done so much for me. I’m excited for the challenge, and I believe we can turn things around." He mentioned that the team had engaged in some brutally honest dialogues, which he feels has greatly lifted the spirits in the camp.
"The energy’s been good,"
The Sharks are looking to rebound after a hefty 56-19 loss to Toulouse in France, and Pietersen's pivotal move was to appoint Andre Esterhuizen as the new captain on his 100th match for the team. Despite Springbok Siya Kolisi’s return to the starting lineup, Pietersen believes Esterhuizen is the perfect fit for the captaincy. “For me, Andre was an easy choice. He’s an old Sharks man who knows this place inside out. Siya has huge responsibilities with the Springboks, but this was simply the right role for Andre,” Pietersen confirmed.
The team selection also saw some strategic tweaks with George Whitehead starting at flyhalf after a solid stint in the Currie Cup, while Jordan Hendrikse will make an impact off the bench. “It was a disruptive week with the travel from France. George has been here [in Durban] running the show, training with the group, while Jordan only arrived back on Tuesday,” explained Pietersen.
Amidst the lineup changes, the Sharks welcome back several Springboks including Bongi Mbonambi, Kolisi, Grant Williams, and Aphelele Fassi, back from an ankle injury. “Fassi’s been training with us for three weeks. He’s fit, mentally in a good space and excited. Will he be a little rusty? Maybe. But he’s experienced enough to handle it,” noted Pietersen.
As for the midfield, Ethan Hooker will join Esterhuizen, a decision that aims to optimize Hooker’s talents at the centre, a position where he has thrived despite often covering the wing.
While Saracens are coming off a solid win against Clermont, Pietersen remains unfazed, confident in the Sharks' ability to reclaim their glory. “They’re a world-class side, but we want to show our fight. We’ve been lacking a good performance. Hopefully tomorrow we can deliver an 80-minute one that makes our fans proud.”
Teams: Andre Esterhuizen (captain), Bongi Mbonambi, Siya Kolisi, Grant Williams, Ethan Hooker, Aphelele Fassi, George Whitehead, Jordan Hendrikse.