Bok prop Ox Nché says the Sharks’ focus under interim coach JP Pietersen has been their mental game.
Sharks interim coach JP Pietersen is focusing more on strengthening his players mentally than on physical conditioning or tactics, with the squad already having ample talent.
The Springbok-studded Sharks have struggled in recent years, with only a second-tier European Challenge Cup title in their cabinet since joining European rugby, despite boasting many of South Africa’s top players.
John Plumtree stepped down as head coach after two below-par seasons and the beginning of a third.
Pietersen has since recorded two wins and two losses, but faces a steep task in the United Rugby Championship, where the Sharks lie 14th with two victories from eight matches, and second from the bottom in their Champions Cup pool after one win and two defeats.
Sharks need to beat Clermont
They must beat Clermont at Kings Park at 3pm on Saturday, ideally with a bonus point, to move into fourth place and qualify for the round of 16.
If they lose narrowly and Clermont fail to secure a bonus point, the Sharks will remain fifth and drop into the Challenge Cup round of 16.
If the Sharks lose by 11 points or more, Clermont take a bonus point and the hosts earn none, they will be eliminated from European competition.
Pietersen rested 13 Springboks for last week’s 26–10 defeat to Sale, although the youthful side was still bolstered by Springboks Vincent Koch, Francois Venter and Vincent Tshituka.
‘It’s mostly been about our mental state’
He is expected to bring the full strength of the Sharks to bear in their final pool match, with Ox Nché saying the team are targeting maximum points.
“With coach JP, it’s mostly been about our mental state,” said Nché. “There are guys with amazing ability in the team. It’s about changing the mindset so guys believe in themselves and their abilities, and do the extras they need to.
“It’s also about how you see the game. If you don’t start well, how do you get back to performing and working hard for your teammates?”
Nché said the Sharks were not far from clicking despite their results.
“We’ve created opportunities, but the problem has been skill-set – a knock-on just before scoring, turnover decisions a bit late. Small things.
“But we are creating chances and playing well in parts of games. Now we must stay focused for the full 80. We can see what we need to work on. We just need individuals to start backing their abilities.”
