Coach JP Pietersen said he could now only see Suleiman Hartzenberg as a Sharks player, while also lauding the departing Luan Giliomee.
Junior Springbok Luan Giliomee produced a dazzling performance, including a phenomenal individual try, in his second last match for the Sharks. Picture: Gerhard Duraan/Gallo Images
Sharks coach JP Pietersen lauded the young players in his side and new signings who stepped up in their bonus-point win over Ospreys in Durban on Saturday.
Among them was Junior Springbok star Luan Giliomee, who almost scored a hat-trick and was named man of the match. He will leave the Sharks to join the Bulls after the Durban union hosts Leinster next weekend.
Six players made their Sharks debuts as the side won 41-24 at Kings Park to record just their second-ever victory in a season-opening United Rugby Championship match.
It was a significant win after they finished 10th last season, and saw Springboks Siya Kolisi, Grant Williams and Aphelele Fassi join other franchises, while many Springboks currently on their roster are away with the national side.
New Sharks stars
The six Sharks debutants were late replacement Jaco Purchase, former Springbok Ivan van Zyl, former Lions lock Darrien Landsberg, wing Suleiman Hartzenberg on loan from the Stormers, Springbok U20 captain Esethu Mnebelele and prop Nemo Roelofse.
Pietersen said inside centre Purchase “did everything right”, grabbing his opportunity with both hands after Murray Koster suffered a minor back injury.
“He [Purchase] was close to man of the match in my eyes,” the coach said.
Pietersen added that Hartzenberg slotted into the group so well he looked like a regular Sharks player.
“I can’t see him as a Stormers player anymore. He leads well defensively, he talks well on the field.
“I’m happy that we have his experience to help especially at the backs, where there are [young players].”
The coach added that 20-year-old Vusi Moyo looked like he had played 100 senior games already.
Giliomee ‘an exceptional talent’
Junior Springbok, Blitzbok and SA A star Giliomee stole the show at fullback.
He defended well but was a menace in attack, scoring one try on the sideline and a second through an incredible individual effort. He found a gap in the Sharks’ own half, weaving past three defenders on his way to the Ospreys try line more than 50m away.
The 20-year-old would have had a hat-trick if he was not tackled off the ball during a kick-and-chase. As it was, Litelihle Bester picked up that loose ball and scored.
“An exceptional talent. You can see what he [Giliomee] does. He understands the game, understands space. He’s got speed… and he’s got a kicking game too.
“So an unbelievable talent. I’m just grateful that I have had time with him and glad we still have him next week.”
