JP Pietersen urges young Sharks to learn from harsh All Blacks lessons
Despite a 54-0 hiding at Kings Park, the head coach focused on the lessons his young Sharks side can take from a rare encounter with the All Blacks.
Sharks head coach JP Pietersen acknowledged his young team was given a harsh lesson by the All Blacks in a 54-0 defeat at Kings Park, but believes the experience will prove valuable as they prepare for the United Rugby Championship season. Despite trailing 14-0 at halftime, Pietersen emphasized the significance of players interacting with world-class opponents, with Zekhethelo Siyaya, Donovan Don and Litelihle Lili Bester forming a new-look back three.
The Sharks' kicking game was marked as a positive, with Ruben Love, Jordie Barrett and Damian McKenzie excelling in exploiting space. Pietersen also praised the fight shown by young replacements and the scramble defence, which prevented the All Blacks from scoring more. The Haka response by veteran Samoan flanker Ma Nonu was another memorable moment, with Pietersen praising the gesture as a sign of respect.
The bigger takeaway for the Sharks will be the lessons learned from the rare opportunity to measure themselves against the All Blacks as they continue their pre-season preparations.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
