Sharks coach JP Pietersen is banking on a powerful bench to tip the balance in Saturday’s Vodacom URC clash against the unbeaten Stormers in Cape Town.
The Sharks have lost all four URC matches they’ve played against the Stormers in Cape Town but the margins have been close.
Pietersen says to win the contest will take a full 23-man effort and while he resisted the temptation to label his replacements a “Bomb Squad”, the inclusion of Springbok heavyweights Ox Nche, Siya Kolisi and Grant Williams underlines his intent to finish strongly.
He can also call on Bok flank Vincent Tshituka as well as former Junior Boks centre Jurenzo Julius.
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“I won’t say it’s a Bomb Squad,” he said. “I think the guys who started last week put their hands up and deserved to start again. If you look at the mix, it’s a good team that starts and a great team to finish the game.”
Pietersen pointed to recent history to underline why bench impact will be crucial.
“If you look at the last four games in Cape Town, there’s been about five points in it,” he said. “It’s a match-23 game now. It’s not starters and bench – it’s collective. Hopefully we can rewrite the story this weekend.”
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The unbeaten Stormers top the URC standings with 36 points, while the Sharks sit 14th with 14 but Pietersen said: “Paper tells a different story. What we see in our camp is how we can get better and improve from our last game. The mindset is to go down to Cape Town and give it a full go.”
The Sharks also welcome back their Springbok midfield pairing, captain Andre Esterhuizen and Ethan Hooker, who were rested against Clermont in the Investec Champions Cup.
“They’re experienced players,” Pietersen said. “Andre is our captain and both are Springboks. There will be pressure and transitions, and how we deal with that under pressure is key. With those two, we’re confident they can do the job.”
On the wings, injuries to Springboks Makazole Mapimpi and Edwill van der Merwe have forced changes, with young Jaco Williams and Yaw Penxe given opportunities.
“It’s a great opportunity for Jaco,” Pietersen said. “What better test than against the best? He’s ready for it.”
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Pietersen acknowledged the Stormers’ threats up front and out wide.
“They’ve got a strong set-piece, they maul well and when they get into your 22, they come away with points,” he said. “It starts with stopping their gainline. If you can do that, you give yourself a chance.”
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
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