JP Pietersen upbeat about Sharks' youth brigade despite difficult URC campaign

JP Pietersen believes the Sharks finally gave supporters a glimpse of the team they are striving to become after ending a disappointing United Rugby Championship season with an emphatic 54–19 victory over Zebre Parma at Kings Park on Saturday.

The Sharks produced one of their most entertaining attacking displays of the campaign in a match that doubled as an emotional farewell for several departing players — including Springbok captain Siya Kolisi.

Pietersen said it was important for the side to reward loyal supporters after a difficult campaign.

“I think it’s a good ending for the fans that have been with us through difficult times,” said Pietersen.

“That’s what I asked from the boys — to give the fans something they can talk positively about. We don’t have to look back at the last game negatively now and hopefully we can take this feeling into pre-season.”

“It’s beautiful to see the young guys put their hands up,” he said.

“Sometimes opportunities come through injuries and then players have to step in and take their chance. Vusi Moyo was nervous early on, which is normal, but then he grew into the game and really put his hand up," he said of the teenage fly-half who scored a try and kicked five conversions on debut.

“You look at players like Jurenzo Julius, Jaco Williams, Lilli Bester, and Zekhetelo Siyaya — that’s exciting for us. Our depth is much better than it was earlier in the season.”

Pietersen also believes the Sharks are slowly beginning to establish a clearer identity. “I think we showed resilience throughout the season,” he said. “We were fast, physical, and relentless today — and that’s the identity we want to build going into next season.”

The emotional post-match scenes also left a mark on the former Springbok wing, particularly as several long-serving players bid farewell to the Durban outfit.

Kolisi received a standing ovation after scoring twice in his final appearance in the black and white jersey, while departing players such as Jean Smith, Le Roux Malan, and Grant Williams were also acknowledged.

“When people put value into the jersey and make the organisation better, you can only thank them,” Pietersen said. “It’s sad saying goodbye, but it’s also exciting because while some players leave, others make their debut. That’s the circle of life in rugby.”

Pietersen’s message to supporters was one of patience and optimism. “It’s a young group and we’re building in the right direction,” he said. “Sometimes the progress may not happen as quickly as people want, but it’s a process. I’m very confident we’ll be in a much better place next season.”

The Sharks fielded a youthful match-day squad, with Pietersen revealing that roughly 60% of the group was under the age of 23. That youthful energy was evident throughout the contest as the home side played with pace, ambition, and physicality, while experienced figures such as skipper Andre Esterhuizen and Bok prop Ox Nche helped provide balance.

“The balance was beautiful,” Pietersen said. “The young guys brought energy, but then you also had the experienced guys controlling things when needed. Ox looked like one of the young players out there with the way he was moving and carrying.

"There will always be errors, that’s part of rugby, but it’s beautiful to see what this group can become. We’ve got the pieces now — it’s about putting it together.”

Despite the Sharks failing to reach the URC play-offs, Pietersen insisted the campaign had not been without progress. He pointed to the emergence of several exciting youngsters as a major positive heading into next season.