An elated JP Pietersen was brimming with pride following his Hollywoodbets Sharks side’s 35-22 win over the Lions in round four of the Currie Cup at Ellis Park on Saturday.
The result marked not only the Durbanites’ first win of the season but the Joburg outfit’s first defeat. To put things into further perspective, the Lions had averaged 42-points per game heading into the encounter, underlining just how lethal an attacking side they can be.
“We are very proud as a group,” said Pietersen post-match. “From coach to players, I’m exceptionally proud of them. The way they played today, it was close to our best performance of the campaign. We have been knocking on the door and finally the door opened up for us and we took our opportunities.”
With many senior players unavailable, the former Springbok winger named a matchday squad consisting of seven debutants, with an average age of 23 overall. While there were some doubts during the week surrounding the capability of the team, they proved their worth on the day.
“We’ve got unbelievable young blood in the team and the SA Under 20 okes did bring something special that we were lacking. Just to see how the young men played and performed and fought for the jersey, it’s really special the way they defended with their hearts.
“From us as a group, it’s a massive achievement to win at Ellis Park. To get five-points and not give the Lions any points, which shows we have been working hard. We were always on the right path, and finally all the talking and hard work showed with the result today.
“On Monday we’ll go back to the drawing board and start again, but tonight we’ll celebrate and live in these memories today.”
The side next faces the Pumas in Mbombela and will look for revenge after their 10-point round three loss in the reverse fixture.
