Sharks interim head coach JP Pietersen wants his players to back their abilities. Picture: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images Sharks interim coach JP Pietersen is focusing more on strengthening his players mentally than on physical conditioning or tactics, with the squad already having ample talent. The Springbok-studded Sharks have struggled in recent years, with only a second-tier European Challenge Cup title in their cabinet since joining European rugby, despite boasting many of South Africa’s top players.
John Plumtree stepped down as head coach after two below-par seasons and the beginning of a third. Pietersen has since recorded two wins and two losses, but faces a steep task in the United Rugby Championship, where the Sharks lie 14th with two victories from eight matches, and second from the bottom in their Champions Cup pool after one win and two defeats. They must beat Clermont at Kings Park at 3pm on Saturday, ideally with a bonus point, to move into fourth place and qualify for the round of 16.
If they lose narrowly and Clermont fail to secure a bonus point, the Sharks will remain fifth and drop into the Challenge Cup round of 16. If the Sharks lose by 11 points or more, Clermont take a bonus point and the hosts earn none, they will be eliminated from European competition. Pietersenrested 13 Springboksfor last week’s 26–10 defeat to Sale, although the youthful side was still bolstered by Springboks Vincent Koch, Francois Venter and Vincent Tshituka.
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He is expected to bring the full strength of the Sharks to bear in their final pool match, with Ox Nché saying the team aretargeting maximum points. “Withcoach JP, it’s mostly been about our mental state,” said Nché. “There are guys with amazing ability in the team.
It’s about changing the mindset so guys believe in themselves and their abilities, and do the extras they need to. “It’s also about how you see the game. If you don’t start well, how do you get back to performing and working hard for your teammates?”
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