THE DEFEAT of Hollywoodbets Sharks by 46-7 against Benetton of Italy in the penultimate match of the United Rugby Championship (URC) was described as a reward for the fans who got up with this Durban team, this season, and got a picture of how bright its future is in the coming seasons.
This was said by the head coach of the Sharks, JP Pietersen, following the end of the game, although there was nothing left to say. In this game, young players like Jurenzo Julius stood out.
The Sharks scored eight tries in this game which left the fans who came out in force on Saturday afternoon, at the Hollywoodbets King’s Park Stadium, Durban.
Pietersen, who took over from John Plumtree in the middle of the season, tried to get the wagon back on track but it is important to remember that there was a time when he was forced to play without 22 injured players.
Julius, who was named Junior Springbok Player of the Year last season, scored three tries for the Sharks.
He stood out in this game with 18-year-old Zekhethelo Siyaya, who was moved from fullback to flyhalf and there he stood out.
“A person who sees us playing for the first time can say to themselves that we are in contention for the title and nothing, we had a good game in a season that had many problems,” said Pietersen to the Sharks press team.
“What is even better is that we have led our fans who have always been with us even though it is clear that we have not acted in the right way for their support.
“I wish that they continue to do this but I hope that what they saw in this game encouraged them not to gain from the team in the coming seasons.
“Many of the young boys played well. I hope that this not only encourages them (the players) but inspires something for the fans because they see how bright the future of the Sharks is in terms of the young players we have on the books,” said Pietersen.
Amanye ama-try eSharks shaywe nguSiya Kolisi, Andre Esterhuizen, Edwill van der Merwe noLitelihe Bester.