{
  "id": 9941713,
  "title": "An ‘ugly win’ over Ospreys will do just fine for Sharks coach JP Pietersen",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/an-ugly-win-over-ospreys-will-do-just-fine-for-sharks-coach-jp",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-26T08:01:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/rugby/ugly-win-ospreys-fine-sharks-coach-jp-pietersen/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Sharks head coach JP Pietersen expressed optimism ahead of the United Rugby Championship opener against Ospreys in Durban on Saturday. A bonus point victory against the Ospreys, whom Sharks have never lost to at home, would be a positive result for the coach, who took over from John Plumtree mid-season last year. The Sharks finished 10th in the URC last season, with just eight wins out of 18 matches, and were eliminated in the group stage of the Champions Cup, as well as losing their second-tier Challenge Cup round of 16 match. Pietersen named his best possible side for the clash, despite Jordan Hendrikse's absence due to injury. He praised the backline's talent, energy, and speed, and highlighted the experience of Vincent Koch, Nick Hatton, Phepsi Buthelezi, and Manu Tshituka at the forwards. Australian signings Liam Wright, Lalakai Foketi, Lawson Creighton, Marika Koroibete, and Ryan Smith from last season could impact the Ospreys' style of play. Pietersen expects the Ospreys to be well-prepared, good at fundamentals, and quick with the ball, especially with their loose trio. An \"ugly win\" for the Sharks is acceptable, with four points being a positive outcome for the first game and a team that wants to win.",
  "summary": "After a torrid season last year, the Sharks coach will be happy with any kind of victory over the Ospreys.",
  "key_points": [
    "JP Pietersen optimistic ahead of Ospreys opener in Durban",
    "Bonus point victory against Ospreys would be positive result",
    "An 'ugly win' for Sharks acceptable with four points"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}