A collective performance with some individual brilliance should be enough to Hollywoodbets Sharks with the platform from which to launch a strong Carling Currie Cup effort against the visiting Suzuki Griquas at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Sunday.
So explained head coach JP Pietersen in the build-up to the match, when he spoke of the important contributions he hopes to get from his team.
Two of the players mentioned were returning Springbok scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse and Junior Bok Jurenzo Julius.
“It’s exciting for Jaden to play after his long term injury, it’s a great opportunity for him to play while the Springboks are away with the Rugby Championship and get some game time under his belt.
“As a coach, you can’t say no to a World Cup winner, with all his experience, especially with the young group we have. He’ll not only be their to guide them, but he brings experience and x-factor to help us with a great performance.”
Getting some game time will not only benefit the Hollywoodbets Sharks, but also Hendrikse himself.
“There’s a healthy pecking order at 9 for the Boks and he’s a guy who always stands up for a challenge, which is exciting. I told him that there’s no pressure on him to perform, but just for him to get some game time. He’s been out for long and we don’t expect any miracles from him; it’s just about building again.
“Jurenzo has been brilliant this whole year, he’s by far the best player in the Junior Boks and he’s built up a lot of confidence. He’s a good kid, loves to learn, he wants to get better all the time. He’s only 20 years old, the future is bright for him, it’s incredible to see what he can do with his rugby IQ, he has a big future in rugby and it’s up to him how far he goes. We’re very fortunate at the Sharks to have him, hopefully we have him for a very long time.
Griquas will come to Durban with the confidence gained from having wrestled their way back to victory after a strong start from the Hollywoodbets Sharks in their first round clash in Kimberley, while the Durban side will look to extend their unbeaten status in the competition for another week after two strong performances.
“Griquas never give up, they always come back and there’s a lot of fight in their group,” the coach explained. “They’re very competitive and are well-coached, but with a few injuries, they have suffered a setback. However, we know what to expect, they’ll bring a strong set-piece and look to hurt us at the maul and scrums. They also like to move the ball around with some real gas men and x-factor players and as a group, we know what’s expected.”
Pietersen used the example of last week’s draw to highlight areas of improvement this week.
“We need to be alert defensively, last week we weren’t good on defence, conceding six tries which isn’t good enough if you want to win.
“This week the focus has been on improving our defence and what let us down on defence was because our kicking game wasn’t accurate. We gave them a lot of transition and when you’re not accurate with your kicking, you put yourself under pressure on defence and that’s why we conceded a lot of tries.”
Casting his mind to his general thoughts on the game and the pressure on both sides, Pietersen explained that, “We’ve had a good week so far, it’s a must-win game for both of us, we’re in the same boat, in a similar position in that we have to win this game.
“But it’s not only about winning, but finding consistency in performances. Last week we were quite poor in the first half, so hopefully in this game we have a collective 80 minute performance, as a coach, for me that will be outstanding.
“As results-driven, the players know exactly what they need to do, what is up for grabs and Griquas know too. I think it’s going to be a good game between two teams who desperately want to win.
“It’s going to be a good match for the spectators.”
