Sharks coach JP Pietersen said he knows what to expect from his own former coach, now in charge of Edinburgh.
Current Sharks head coach JP Pietersen used to play at the union under previous head coach Sean Everitt. Pictures: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images and Ewan Bootman/SNS Group via Getty Images
Sharks head coach JP Pietersen said he expects a “niggly” match against Edinburgh, knowing well the tactics of his opposite number Sean Everitt, under whom he played.
The teams meet at Hive Stadium on Friday (kick-off 8.45pm) in the third-last United Rugby Championship match before play-offs. It’s a must-win for 11th-placed Sharks, 11 points adrift of a qualification spot.
Edinburgh are one place behind, in 12th, but mathematically cannot qualify. The Sharks have won four of the five matches between the teams, including both games that were played in Scotland.
Pietersen played under Everitt when he coached the Sharks in 2020 and 2021, though the first year was heavily disrupted, and Pietersen retired the next.
After coaching junior and Currie Cup levels, Pietersen took over from John Plumtree in the early season. He faces his old mentor in just his 14th game in charge.
‘Long periods in defence’
“I played under Sean so I kind of know his philosophy, the way he thinks about the game,” Pietersen said after naming his team on Thursday.
“Edinburgh are very good with their kicking game and exits. They have a good pack with Pierre Schoeman in the front there.
“They are physical and have a good maul which they can use to convert points in the 22. And they can hold the ball for many phases.
“So we are preparing ourselves for long periods in defence. They will try move us around when they put the ball behind us.”
The Sharks also rely on a strong kicking game, though Springboks Grant Williams (scrumhalf), Jordan Hendrikse (flyhalf), Ethan Hooker (centre/wing) and Aphelele Fassi (fullback) are all out of action amid an injury crisis.
However, Bok captain Siya Kolisi returns from a calf injury to play his 50th game for the Sharks.
One current, one past and one future Sharks coach
Pietersen said it will be a “niggly” game in Edinburgh, as seen in their 18-17 victory there last year. The Sharks somehow won that game despite finishing with 39% possession, 43% territory and two yellow cards.
“They also haven’t had a great season and are in the same boat as us,” the Sharks coach added.
“The message to the guys was to put in a strong performance all the time, and hopefully the scoreboard goes in our favour.”
Pietersen added that he looks forward to seeing Everitt’s assistant coach Scott Mathie, who will be joining the Sharks as attack coach next season.
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