Watch VideoJP Pietersen blames defensive meltdowns and errors for Sharks’ heavy defeat to Bulls

JP Pietersen reacted to the Sharks’ 41-12 defeat at Loftus, highlighting unforced errors and injury woes as the side slips to 11th in the URC. Photo: Backpagepix Sharks coachJP Pietersensays defensive meltdowns and clumsy mistakes were responsible for the heavy 41-12United Rugby Championshiploss to the Bulls on Saturday evening. The Bullsscored seven tries to two, with their scoring coming in blitzes of tries.

For example, the opening quarter was scoreless, but the Bulls led 22-0 at halftime after a quick succession of scoring. “We were good for 15 minutes, and then the Bulls scored two quick tries,” Pietersen said. “That’s something we need to work on.

If we concede one, how do we eliminate the next one? The same thing happened against the Lions — we conceded two quick tries in the first half. We need to identify what is going wrong and address how we can get better in that area.” There were 33 000 fans packed into Loftus, and they got behind a Bulls team that scored some sublime tries, with the likes of Sebastian de Klerk and Canan Moodie displaying slick skills.

[paywall]

The Sharks were much better in the third quarter but again succumbed to a flurry of scoring. “Yes, the boys showed fight and courage in the second half. But when you’re 22-0 down, it’s hard to come back,” Pietersen said.

“We made 22 unforced errors (to the nine of the Bulls). That means you can’t build pressure,” the coach added. “We knocked balls on, missed lineouts, and when we had possession, we couldn’t convert it into territory or points. That just takes energy away from the group.” The loss of influential scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse after half an hour to a concussion contributed to the Sharks’ demise.

[/paywall]