Today’s Investec Champions Cup third round away clash between the Hollywoodbets Sharks and Sale Sharks offers up the opportunity to secure further gains in the tournament.
For head coach JP Pietersen and his team, this match is a shot at showing their class against a top English outfit, as well as the opportunity to advance further in the competition.
“We had a review of the game against the Lions and there was a lot of disappointment in the group, which is a good thing, it means that it really hurt,” he explained from the team’s base in Manchester.
“We’ve had a good week of prep although the weather here is completely different to the Durban heat and there’s been some good energy in the team.”
The message to the team this week has been about what a positive outcome this game offers them as the tournament unfolds.
“The message is clear, if you look at log points in the group, it’s a massive opportunity if we get a result this weekend and next, we get to play a round of 16 match at home.
“Everyone has bought into what we want to do. Sale are in a similar position which means it’s going to be a great contest!”
Looking at team changes with Nick Hatton leading the team, he backs the combination of youth and experience to do a fine job against Sale.
“Nick has been a good leader, he’s still learning, but he’s been phenomenal the way he’s led the team and squad,” Pietersen explained. “He’s a Durban guy through and through, passionate about the Hollywoodbets Sharks and the way he talks brings out the best in the group.
“I’m excited for him, he also has some good leaders around him, with Emile van Heerden, Vincent Tshituka, Vincent Koch, along with Francois Venter and Yaw Penxe in the backs, so there’s a good mix of leaders and some young guys.”
Despite naming a fairly youthful side, Pietersen backs his team to do the business.
“We’re here to win the game, we’re ready for the physical battle, we know that Sale is a physical team and we as South Africans pride ourselves on our physicality.
“There’s more than enough experience in key positions and then from a youth and excitement point of view, we have Jurenzo Julius playing at 12 which is something we want to try and see how he goes there, being closer to the ball. It’s something I’m excited about.
“We also have a good bench, players who can come on and make an impact and hopefully finish the game off for us.”
While there are numerous former Hollywoodbets Sharks players now in Sale colours, their influence is not something Pietersen has focused on.
“They obviously want to have an impact on the game, but from our side, we want to control what we can control. We’ve analysed what we need to do against them technically, but 80% of the time, you want to focus on yourself and how you can play your game and that which gives you life and brings energy to the group.
“So we’re looking at what we can do well more than worrying about what they do.”
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