Sharks coach JP Pietersen expressed hope that his squad could use the confidence gained after a tough victory in France last week to demonstrate similar play against Cardiff in Wales on Friday evening.
The Durban-based team showed character by defeating Lyon in the Champions Cup match, but Pietersen believes the team needs to stop creating difficulties for itself while trying to build momentum within the United Rugby Championship.
Previously, Sharks lost to Stormers in the last URC match after two home victories. The win over Lyon also came at a good time, allowing returning Springboks players to gain a positive atmosphere before a difficult away trip.
Pietersen noted: 'We will certainly take this confidence, but the challenge will always be with us: can we turn confidence into consistent play?' He added that the team is discussing this issue, questioning whether they can be consistent and avoid sometimes showing 'rollercoaster' performances in the game. He believes this will happen thanks to experience, youth, and the presence of players who recently transferred from another franchise. 'But how do we become more consistent? That's what we are looking for in the trip to Cardiff.'
Pietersen is convinced that the foundations for a more reliable Sharks squad were laid during a productive pre-season period and thanks to leadership striving to unite everyone in a single direction. The team spent ten weeks together preparing for the campaign, focusing particularly on physical endurance and a shared understanding of goals.
'I think it all comes down to a good pre-season. And there is definitely excitement in the group, there is good leadership,' concluded Pietersen. He specifically highlighted the work of co-owners Nick Hutton and Emil van Heerden, as well as players like Ethan Hooker and experienced Springbok prop Vincent Koch, in strengthening team unity. Pietersen emphasized: 'When senior players aren't playing, they put in a lot of effort to get the group aligned and define the vision of where we want to go. I must express huge gratitude to the management.'
Serious challenges lie ahead for Sharks against Cardiff; the Cardiff team finished in the top eight of the URC last season and has strong home form. Furthermore, Pietersen must prepare for a Welsh team with a distinct South African flavor. Former Sharks centre Leru Malan is in Cardiff's starting lineup, alongside South African midfielder Johan Mulder, and Cornéel van Zyl, a former Cheetahs and Italy player, is the head coach. Pietersen commented: 'Cornéel is a very good coach. I see it from last year's results—Cardiff reached the quarter-finals.' He also noted: 'And their home record is quite good. Last year they only lost one game at home.'
Malan's familiarity with Sharks adds another interesting aspect to the contest, as he played for the Durban franchise until recently. 'Leru Malan was obviously with us last season, so he knows all the details about the players. He will definitely share his knowledge of us,' said Pietersen. 'And when you play against your teammates, you want to bring that with you. We know it will be a good battle. And Leru Malan is a good player too.'