Sharks' 'fight and intent' outclassed Bulls' pressure 

02/16/2025 08:20 AM

REACTION: Sharks assistant coach David Williams praised the character of his side following their 29-19 United Rugby Championship win over the Bulls on Saturday.

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It was one of those clashes where the statistics don't compliment the results

The Sharks conceded 17 penalties and three yellow cards but still managed to take the full-house of log points from Pretoria and denying the hosts any points in the process.

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Williams said that the Sharks' belief played a huge part as did their 'fight and intent' to pull off the victory.

"As a group, we've got a lot of belief," Williams said.

"We knew about the pressure the Bulls were going to apply on us.

"The yellow cards obviously weren't planned for, but the fight and intent the guys showed throughout the 80 minutes were outstanding."

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Springbok centre Lukhanyo Am had a rare start at inside centre but didn't look out of place with the exciting Jurenzo Julius outside him.

Williams had high praise for both players, but especially for Am who has returned from an injury.

"He's [Lukhanyo Am] an outstanding leader.

"Coming back from that injury, he actually asked me to check on him on 60 [minutes] which I forgot.

"So he actually got the full 80 [minutes] at No.12 and then [moved] to No.13 and did a great job today [Saturday]"

He also provided insights on the reasons why Jurenzo Julius joined the Sharks.

"I actually spoke to him when he joined the Sharks.

"One of the reasons he joined was the people he had in that position [centre] to learn from."

The Sharks are without several players due to injury and Springbok resting protocols.

Williams believes that the playing squad against the Bulls raised the standards for those returning players during the course of the season.

"It just strengthens [the depth] of our group with the players coming back from [Springbok] resting protocols and injuries.

"What the guys put in tonight [Saturday] just raises our training standards.

"When we get together as the group filters back in, with those who played tonight [Saturday] we're training against people returning and they'll have to prove in terms of where we are as a group.

"The best 15 [players] will be selected so there's great competition amongst the squad.

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He also clarified how the Sharks will be managing those returning players in order to have everyone fresh as they're working towards the knock-out stages of the URC.

"As an organisation taking it game by game.

"We've got a bit of a break now and then heading into the Lions [clash].

"With the returning players it's about finding the best route for them and get game time.

"They've either been out for a while or had [Springbok] resting protocols.

"We're just trying to filter people back into the squad and rotate and get into those top eight positions for the play-offs."