The Hollywoodbets Sharks wrapped up their pre-season match preparations ahead of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship with a solid 33-31 victory over the 10Bet Lions at 10Bet Ellis Park Stadium on Friday afternoon.
In a match that prioritised game-time, combinations and cohesion, Hollywoodbets Sharks head coach JP Pietersen admitted himself satisfied with the team’s final hit-out.
“I’m happy with the pre-season and the work we did as coaches, and then to transfer that onto the field.
“The Lions definitely challenged us with their physicality and relentlessness, I’m happy with the way the boys stayed in the fight.
“It wasn’t perfect, but I am happy.”
Although the Hollywoodbets Sharks came out on the right side of the scoreboard, the result wasn’t nearly as important as the team’s performance.
“What I’m happy with is despite the fact that the Lions scored from the kick-off, which was a kick in the stomach, and normally we struggle after that, but to see the young kids stay in the fight all the way to the end and the way they handled themselves and found a way to get back into the game was beautiful.”
There were also some outstanding individual performances, with 19-year-old Zekhethelo Siyaya really pitching up and showcasing his talent.
“He’s a special player, showing his individual brilliance! I’m very happy.”
With two weeks before the Ospreys come to Hollywoodbets Kings Park to kick off the Hollywoodbets Sharks Vodacom United Rugby Championship campaign, Pietersen pronounced himself satisfied with the pre-season campaign and the team’s readiness for the competition.
“I’m happy overall with where we are,” he said.
“The main objective was game time and not getting any injuries, unfortunately we lost Yaw Penxe with a back injury and hopefully it’s not too serious, but it is a bit of a setback.
“But we had players back from injury, Jordan Hendrikse played beautifully for 40 minutes, Jason Jenkins was good, Siyaya is back, so it was good to see them get some game time.”
Game time and injuries aside, the third aim was playing with a sense of cohesiveness, which demonstrates the team’s understanding and willingness to play within the identity of the game plan.
“I was happy with the way we are building our identity, playing with what we built in the pre-season.
“So we ticked all three boxes.”
Every season in the previous VURC campaigns has started on the road, and for the first time, the Hollywoodbets Sharks kick off the tournament at Hollywoodbets Kings Park which bodes well for the team from Durban.
“We have a good schedule starting with two home games, and with the two friendly games we played, it gives you a lot of confidence to build cohesion and depth, and it’s exciting to start at home, for the first time, and hopefully the fans come out and make it special,” Pietersen admitted.
