Three weeks, three away wins and not a try conceded at Thomond Park. JP Pietersen on the leadership, the bond and the 19-year-old fullback who made the tour his own.
The Hollywoodbets Sharks return to Durban off the back of their greatest overseas success in modern history, with three away wins on the trot across the EPCR Challenge Cup and the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.
Victories against Lyon, Cardiff and Munster have set the tone for the rest of a season that holds so much promise under the stewardship of head coach JP Pietersen, an astute and uncompromising leadership group, and a player roster that bonds experience with the exuberance of youth.
“That was a special win for us, the first time in the VURC and you could see the physical effort from the boys,” Pietersen said after the match.
“We showed that we were relentless and how much more it meant than just a game.”
There have been a few themes that make up the Hollywoodbets Sharks DNA and one of them is never giving up. To this end, Pietersen was thrilled with one aspect of the game that demonstrates how much they have bought into the culture he is building.
“It was a great defensive effort, we didn’t let them in for one try and that shows what the boys are building, in an environment where they care for each other.
“It’s beautiful to see, it’s not just talking but through our actions, that we fight for each other.”
It’s all about assembling a group of talented individuals who work and come together to forma team that wants to fight for every inch, and for one another.
“We have a good mix of guys just getting along, old, young, in-between, all enjoying each other’s company and making time to connect, which was one of our goals: not just connecting with mates but making new connections.”
Overall, this was a tour that proved this team is taking itself seriously, as they now go into the autumn international break fourth on the log, on 19 points and four wins out of five in the VURC (and unbeaten in the pool stages of the EPCR Challenge Cup).
“We had a difficult tour, it’s not easy being away from family for three weeks, but I’m so happy for the group,” he added. “It’s not easy winning away, but they put their best foot forward, put in a lot of effort and achieved some special victories.
“We also had unbelievable leadership from the leadership group, Nick Hatton, Emile van Heerden, Vincent Tshituka, Ethan Hooker and massive credit to Vincent Koch who didn’t play one minute on tour, but was always positive in meetings, led well, kept the guys accountable in training; he’s a club captain and he deserves special mention for what he’s done.”
Pietersen admitted that it wasn’t just the players who have had a wonderful learning experience that they’ve embraced totally, but he too has learned so much.
“As a coach, I’ve learned so much from the players, it was a great experience both on and off the field where we could all build connections. So too the medical and coaching staff for helping to keep us going. Massive credit to them, and to Marco Masotti for coming all the way over to Munster. It was special to give him a win.”
There were stand-out performers and overall a fantastic team effort over the three weeks, but for 19-year-old fullback Zekhethelo Siyaya, Man of the Match in all three tour games, an extra mention from his coach.
“He’s a special kid, an unbelievable talent. He’s still young and learning as he goes, and we as coaches know we need to be patient with him. Sometimes he does some crazy things, but we like that about him. He’s a good kid, hungry to get better.
“But winning those awards also comes down to a forward pack laying the platform for him to do his thing.”
