Starting for the Sharks are key players including 1. Vincent Koch at loosehead prop, 7. Phepsi Buthelezi as openside flank, 9. Ivan van Zyl at scrumhalf, 10. Vusi Moyo as flyhalf, and 11. Makazole Mapimpi on the wing. Meanwhile, 22. Jaden Hendrikse will be one of the notable names on an extended bench alongside 23. Suleiman Hartzenberg, recently loaned from the Stormers.
Pietersen outlined the dual objectives of the upcoming game during a press conference.
"Obviously, the main objective is game time. How we can get them quickly to see how close or how far we are from match fitness,"
"But the second objective is obviously individuals stepping up. How can they manage themselves? How can they perform under pressure? How can they perform in a new combination? That’s what we look at."
The integration of players from the Currie Cup squad into the pre-season lineup hints at a deeper strategy to build a robust team for the upcoming URC campaign. The match against the Eagles provides these players a fresh chance to prove their worth.
Pietersen also highlighted the importance of the team's performance dynamics.
"There’s attack and defence, and obviously we want to be fast and physical and relentless, and see if our identity can speak for itself on the field. So it’s going to be a game where we can build cohesion as quickly as possible, and it gives us another opportunity next week against the Lions."
The Sharks' pre-season journey will continue with another warm-up game against the Lions at Ellis Park on the following Friday, September 11. This matchup will serve as the final tune-up before the Sharks host the Ospreys in their URC season opener in Durban.
With stakes high and expectations mounting, Pietersen’s squad is set to showcase their capabilities and team synergy, aiming to transform their vigorous pre-season groundwork into tangible success on the field.
