JP Pietersen did not correct the Hollywoodbets Sharks’ habit of doing well this weekend and followed it up by beating the mud as they did when they lost 34-22 to the Emirates Lions Sharks in the United Rugby Championship (URC) game on Saturday at Ellis Park, Johannesburg.
The Sharks, who were in the lead before Jadon Hendrikse’s yellow card, ended up kneeling in this game which also meant the disappearance of the Durban team’s chances of defending the URC SA Shield which they won last season.
After the game, it was said that Pietersen pointed the finger at his players for playing this game that is said to have a king in it this week, but the keys are shown when they have to hold the ball.
“Honestly, it’s no use being praised for doing well this week and then the next week it’s like we were playing together for the first time.
“This is disappointing because it makes the work we do seem to be going backwards. We were in good control of the game until the yellow card.
“Also, I don’t see the need to be scattered in the way that happened because of the card because we train all the time to plan to deal with playing situations when we are no longer perfect.
“The truth about this practice lies with us. What we need to find out or understand is whether the players are with us or the coaching staff is with us,” said Pietersen, who was completely hired as the head coach of the Sharks at the beginning of last week.