Coach JP Pietersen is desperate to find that missing spark for the Sharks as they gear up to take on the Cheetahs this Saturday at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium. Shuffling his deck after two heavy losses, Pietersen is hoping his new halfback duo will add some much-needed zest to the team's game play.
The Sharks are currently languishing at the bottom of the Currie Cup standings following a brutal 46-3 defeat to the Lions and a staggering 64-0 thrashing by the Vodacom Bulls. In response, Pietersen has made significant changes to his starting lineup, promoting youth while sprinkling some seasoned players into the mix. The pack sees new faces with Jacques Marais, Gideon Koegelenberg, and Junior Boks flank Matt Romao stepping up, whereas the backline welcomes Junior Boks flyhalf Vusi Moyo for his first start, supported by the experienced trio of Marnus Potgieter, Diego Appollis, and Yaw Penxe.
"With Moyo at 10, we're just trying a new combination with Brad Davids—and Jean Smith and Ceano Everson coming off the bench. We want to see if they can ignite the team and give us more attacking opportunities,"
Pietersen explained, emphasizing the necessity of finding the right chemistry quickly in a condensed competition with hardly any preseason.Pietersen also took a moment to defend his strategy amid critiques, highlighting that while other teams might opt for more experienced lineups, his focus remains on building depth for the URC. "Each union has its own plan. If you look at us and Western Province, we’ve gone with youth because we’re trying to build depth for the URC, because we know it’s a long competition," he stated, countering earlier comments from Bulls coach Phiwe Nomlomo who had called for unions to be "smarter" about their Currie Cup approaches.
This weekend's match also marks the Sharks' return to Clermont, bringing rugby back to township communities—an initiative Pietersen praises highly.
"It’s a great initiative. We’re taking the game to the people and hopefully inspiring future Springboks. The guys are excited—there’s been good energy in training and we’re looking forward to seeing what this team can do at home,"
said Pietersen, capturing the positive mood in camp.On the flip side, the Cheetahs come into the game buoyed by a solid 42-25 victory over the Pumas. Pietersen acknowledges their fast play and strong set piece, knowing full well his young squad will need to step up physically. "They want to play fast and they’ve got a solid set piece. We know they’re going to test us physically, but as a group of young men, we have to front up and stand tall," he concluded, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying encounter.