Hollywoodbets Sharks head coach JP Pietersen lamented a couple of soft moments that allowed Edinburgh to fight back in their Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash on Friday evening.
His team started well and at times played some sublime rugby, but just when things looked positive, Edinburgh found ways to overturn the momentum and strike back.
“Obviously, I am very disappointed with the result,” Pietersen said afterwards.
“These were two matches on the road that I felt we could have won, especially this one that seemed closer.”
As it was, home ground advantage accounted for six of the eight wins on the weekend, including away losses for Glasgow Warriors [to the DHL Stormers] and Leinster [to Benetton].
“Top 8 is out of reach now and by our standards to finish outside of the top 8 is hugely disappointing,” he added.
“Specifically on the game, I felt we had control in the first half. We started well, scored a good try. In saying that we gave away two tries in the first half through soft moments. At times we didn’t manage the game well. We gave away soft penalties and easy exits in our half.
“When we got the ball, we didn’t kick it out, which would have given us control. We kept it in play which put us under pressure and resulted in them scoring.
“In the 2nd half changes were made. It was a good start with Vincent Koch scoring. We were 21-14 up, which put us in a good position, but they scored soon after with a quick kick off. We could have done better by anticipating that. I am not sure that all our players were past the 10m line though, as the law requires, especially our flyhalf who kicked for poles.
“That put us under pressure and we didn’t exit well. We scored a consolation try, but the game was over by then.”
In a game the Hollywoodbets Sharks controlled for long periods and led for much of the time, Pietersen felt the outcome could have been different.
“We could have won the game with better control, kicking in the right areas and making better decisions on the night, but that is easier said in hindsight.”
In a season that has been defined by a horrendous injury toll, this match was no different, sadly adding to the list with two games remaining.
“A couple of injuries again. Losing Jaden in the first half was difficult. Someone with his experience, his game management during that pressure cycle would have been important for us.
“We are learning as a group. This group is learning to win. My job as coach is to get this group of players to believe and to convert these opportunities into winning games. I am committed to doing this.”
Despite the loss, there was an upside to it all, another composed, confident and exciting performance from 18-year-old Zekhethelo Siyaya who continues to impress despite his young age.
“On a positive note, Siyaya impressed me yet again. This kid is unreal! The fight, everything that this kid does on the field is impressive. This is what you want from our players. You want to see this fight, this never-give-up attitude, this energy whether on attack or defense. He has shown at this young age that he deserves to be at this level, and we are excited for what’s to come.
“He is the real deal.”