JP Pietersen stated the Sharks can anticipate a extremely motivated DHL Western Province facet in Cape City on Saturday, empathising with the Capetonians’ bid to blood youth in 2024.
The Sharks XV journey to the Mom Metropolis for a coastal derby in spherical 8 of the Currie Cup, with the fourth-placed Durbanites hoping to proceed with their climb up the league ladder.
Solely three rounds stay of the common season earlier than the semi-finals on this yr’s version of rugby’s oldest competitors.
With 5 defeats in seven matches, WP can be determined for a win nevertheless it gained’t be simple in opposition to the guests from KZN, who’ve shrugged off a gradual begin to financial institution three wins and a draw of their final 4 outings.
This week’s conflict may also underline the worth of SA Rugby’s elite participant growth pathway, with a number of Junior Springboks in line to face one another at Cape City Stadium.
WP have lately handed debuts to SA U20 captain Zachary Porthen, Divan Fuller and JC Mars whereas their Junior Boks teammates from just a few weeks in the past, lock Batho Hlekani and centre Jurenzo Julius, are set to expire in opposition to them on Saturday.
Talking in a Sharks convention on Thursday, head coach Pietersen advised reporters: “Province and us have been in the same boat by making an attempt to blood younger gamers coming by.
“Sadly outcomes haven’t gone their manner however they’ve performed very nicely within the couple of video games I’ve seen. It was a really shut recreation up in Joburg till the Lions bought away with the sport.
TEAM: Sharks get Bok increase for derby duel
“We anticipate [WP] to indicate large satisfaction enjoying in Cape City, and it’s a bunch that’s going to be determined to place issues proper.
“They’re a bunch that works exhausting and love to indicate their followers what they’ve been engaged on. The scoreboard doesn’t do justice to what they’ve been doing and we all know it’s going to be a troublesome encounter.”
The Sharks final week pulled off a late victory over defending champions, the Cheetahs, to maneuver into playoffs competition, but Pietersen has cautioned his costs of wanting too far forward.
“We respect each workforce we play in opposition to. For those who take a look at the WP workforce there’s group of people who, doubtlessly, play very nicely,” the previous Springbok flyer stated
“Come this Saturday, WP will certainly be up for it and take the sport to us. We don’t underestimate our opponents, and can play the sport as exhausting as we will.
“We had been in an analogous boat in the beginning of the season, dropping three video games in a row, so we perceive what it takes [to turn results around].
“We consider we will go all the way down to Cape City and provides Province battle, and equally Province will consider they’ll beat us.
“It’s a clear slate now and sure, what occurred in Bloemfontein provides us confidence nevertheless it’s a brand new recreation this week.”
Picture: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Photos
