Preview: Fidelity ADT Lions vs Hollywoodbets Sharks

07/26/2024 05:41 AM

The Hollywoodbets Sharks continue to grow in the Carling Currie Cup and will be looking for further growth when they take on the Fidelity ADT Lions at Emirates Airline Park on Saturday afternoon.

There has been much talk about the absence of a number of players from the squad, but not only after they unavailable, but there is a purpose behind bringing such a youthful team to the tournament.

Head coach JP Pietersen explains.

"Those players with the Springboks but not playing are in the mandated MyPlayers' eight week rest period, so we don't have any opportunity to play them at this stage."

It hasn't been the easiest of starts to the team's competition this season, but there is more to this campaign than only results as Pietersen explains.

"We made it clear in the beginning that as a union we want to blood youngsters and give them as much opportunity to see if they can kick on and become senior players one day. That's the main objective.

"As a group we feel that we could have won two of the three matches we've played, so we do feel a bit disappointed. Rugby players and coaches want to win games, you want to be your best, and as a group we want to climb the ladder, that's obviously one of our goals.

"With the youngsters coming into the squad, what we're looking for is consistency in performance and from there we can talk about results.

"If you look at our squad, around 80% are under 23 years old, it will take time. If we look forward to the next year and beyond, this group will believe and grow as players and as a team.

"Look at a guy like [captain] Nick Hatton, he's a young players, just 21, to perform like he has in his first season as captain, week in and week out, this is motivation for the entire group that we are growing and moving forward.

"But we are still in the building process. We need patience. We know everyone wants results, we certainly do, but we as coaches and players understand that it will take time. We believe we're on the right path."

The coach has selected seven debutants in his matchday 23, including three players from the junior Boks – lock Batho Hlekani, inside centre Jurenzo Julius and outside centre Lili Bester – who all start.

"We're very excited to welcome them back, the nice thing is that they're rugby ready and have been playing at the highest level. In our Currie Cup campaign, we want to blood youngsters and what a great opportunity for them to play. We'll be looking to see if they can make the step up and then to go forward to the URC.

"Jurenzo was an outstanding junior player, he is fit and healthy, looks strong and fast and I'm excited to have him back in the team."

Playing on the highveld against an unbeaten team certainly presents an exciting challenge for this Hollywoodbets Sharks team.

"The Lions are three from three, enjoying good momentum, their squad is settled and they have confidence coming into this game.  Yes, it's a challenge and what a way to test the youngsters, to play them against a very good team, in Joburg.

"It's also an opportunity for them to showcase their talent and their character, to show their fight and to compete for 80 minutes. We're chasing consistency in performance and as a group, although the results don't reflect it, we are growing in the right direction and we do feel that we have a good opportunity.

"Not just to showcase our talent, but to put on a team performance."

The post Preview: Fidelity ADT Lions vs Hollywoodbets Sharks appeared first on The Sharks Durban.