Watch VideoJP Pietersen proud of Sharks’ response after disrupted build-up to Munster clash

Luan Giliomee of the Sharks scored on debut in the the United Rugby Championship, against Munster at Kings Park, this past weekend. Photo: BackpagePix Sharks coach JP Pietersenbelieves his side “made a statement” with their physicality and defensive effort in a commanding45-0 United Rugby Championship (URC) victory over Munsterat Kings Park on Saturday. After the late withdrawal of Springbok skipperSiya Kolisidue to injury and Bok centreEthan Hookerdue to a family bereavement – compounded by a host of other injuries – Pietersen was particularly pleased with the response from his players in a must-win clash.

While a lot of the spotlight was on a stunning try-scoring debut by teenage fullbackLuan Giliomeeand veteran winger Makozole Mapimpi’s brace in his 100th match, the coach felt the platform had been laid by a dominant forward display. “It was a challenging couple of days,” he admitted, in his post-match interview. “So, to get a performance like that is something very special.” The Sharks pack controlled the set-piece and their all-round intensity was relentless, on attack and in defence.

Pietersen credited the collective effort, emphasising that success in the scrums and lineouts came from cohesion rather than individuals. “It’s always a collective effort from the pack,” he said. “They wanted to dominate and make a statement, and they did that today.” The tight five put Munster under sustained pressure in the scrums, with prop Phatu Ganyane earning special praise for another powerhouse performance that resulted in his first Sharks URC try.

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The line-out also functioned at a high level after weeks of inconsistency. Pietersen singled out the work being done behind the scenes to sharpen that area. “A lot of hours go into that,” he said.

“It’s about connection, and you could see that come through.” Equally satisfying for the coach was a defensive display that kept Munster pointless, something he attributed to preparation and player buy-in. “You can only show how good a system is if the players are behind it,” Pietersen explained.

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