Although the Vodacom United Rugby Championship season will go down as one of missed opportunities, defined by a debilitating injury toll, the Hollywoodbets Sharks delivered the goods in the final match to give an indication of the excitement to come.
Head coach JP Pietersen dedicated his team’s 54-19 victory over Zebre at Hollywoodbets Kings Park win to the fans for their support throughout the season, acknowledging their passion and dedication to the Black & White jersey, and those who wear it with pride.
“It was a good ending for the fans who have been with us through difficult times,” he said after the win. “I’ve been asking the boys to give the fans who have stuck with us the whole season something they can talk about, and they did.
“We know we can talk positively about our last game of the campaign, and how we can take that into the next pre-season.”
The game was defined by attacking rugby, entertaining from start to finish as his young guns were given license to play, without fear.
“You’re always going to get that with young kids in your team, I think 60% of the team were under 23, the balance was good. Andre knew when to slow it down, but I thought one of the young guys was Ox, with his energy and the way he was moving the ball. It’s beautiful to see what the young kids do for the older, more experienced guys.
“It was a great performance, yes there were always going to be errors made, that’s part of the game, but the balance in the group is beautiful, we have the pieces now and it’s about how we put it all together.”
Looking at the character in the team and the commitment they showed, even in tough times, Pietersen felt that his players achieved a plus sign here.
“We showed resilience the whole season and there was pride shown in the jersey. There was fight in every game, it was just unfortunate that some results didn’t go our way and that’s why we sit where we are.”
For now, the tournament is over, but a valuable time for the players to take a break and come back energised for the next campaign.
“It’s good to have a mental break now, a complete break away from the game, to spend time with family and loved ones,” Pietersen said.
“Rugby is a demanding game with a lot of pressure, week in and week out, so now they’ve earned their break and get to switch off. And then come back for the next season with a different mindset, to not only compete, but to win.
“That’s the challenge to the group.”
It’s a sad time saying goodbye to players who have contributed so much, and for the players departing, Pietersen threw in a few more thoughts.
“It’s sad to say goodbye, especially when people add value to the jersey, to the union and the organisation, and make the place better. But you can say ‘Thank you’ for what they’ve done for us, their contribution and for the professional way they went about it and how they affect the group.
“Siya [Kolisi] is special, the standing ovation he got from the fans when he came off was well-deserved. I love him, and I want to say thank you to him for supporting me in my first year. It wasn’t easy.
“It was a personal decision for him to go home to be closer to his family, there’s a lot of respect, man-to-man.
“And then Jean Smith, he’s a young guy moving to Italy to chance his international dreams. Grant Williams has been here for nine years, it’s sad we couldn’t say goodbye to him on the field, but that’s the game of rugby. His contribution to the union has been massive.
“The guys leaving are looking for a new pathway from where they can grow. It’s sad, but while it’s the end for some, it’s a new start for others. Vusi made his debut and it was beautiful to see how the circle of life works.”