JP still processing Sharks' perfect start to the season
by Craig Taylor · KickOffAfter their dismal season last year, when they failed to make it to the knockout stages of the United Rugby Championship, the Sharks are flying high this season.
While it’s early days yet, their 26-20 win over defending champions Leinster sees JP Pietersen’s charges at the top of the URC log with a full house of 10 points.
READ | Sharks topple Leinster in dramatic Durban showdown
The Sharks, bolstered by several returning Boks, were forced to dig deep against the Irish side at the Shark Tank on Saturday, and Pietersen knows just how special the win was and what it means for his side, with several youngsters again showing their undoubted potential on the night.
“To win against the champions, against Leinster, it’s really special,” Pietersen said after the match.
“We’ll enjoy tonight. I’m still processing that we won two [games] and [have] 10 points. It’s just unreal scenes today.”
Two Springboks played a critical role in the try that gave the Sharks a critical 21-15 lead in the final quarter.
While Andre Esterhuizen scored, it was Bok lock Eben Etzebeth who played a massive role in setting the try up.
Etzebeth threw an audacious dummy and handled again in the move that sent Esterhuizen over in the 70th minute.
Another score followed, this time through winger Edwill van der Merwe, putting the game beyond Leinster, although Leo Cullen’s side did score after the final hooter to secure a losing bonus point.
“We needed an injection after Leinster scored, so Eben was outstanding with that transition try,” Pietersen acknowledged.
“André scored, I don’t even know what was happening, and then Edwill finished it off with the intercept try.
“It just shows what they [the Springbok players] bring. And the rest of the group is all about doing the right thing, letting the system work, and letting the Springboks just do their thing when they need to.”
The Sharks will travel to Cape Town, where they will be looking to make it three wins on the trot when they face the Stormers next Saturday.
URC Wrap: Round 2: Lions, Sharks win at home, Stormers, Bulls lose away from home