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JP Pietersen gives Sharks belief and bite

JP Pietersen's appointment late last season as Sharks head coach is proving an inspired decision.

KEO

Published: Sunday, 25 October 2026 at 6:54 PM

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KEO.co.za argues that head coach JP Pietersen has successfully established a resilient collective team identity for the Sharks.
The Sharks secured a 36-21 United Rugby Championship victory over Cardiff despite suffering four in-game injuries.
The team also achieved a 40-33 European Challenge Cup win over Lyon with a decisive late try.

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KEO.co.za argues that JP Pietersen's appointment as Sharks head coach has successfully transformed the Durban side from a disjointed group of star names into a unified, resilient team. Under Pietersen, the Sharks have established a clear collective identity, securing two home United Rugby Championship victories against Ospreys and Leinster alongside resilient performances on the road.

The writer highlights recent away triumphs, including a 40-33 Challenge Cup win over Lyon and a 36-21 URC victory against Cardiff. In Cardiff, the Sharks overcame multiple in-game injuries to score six tries, led by standout performances from young players such as Nick Hatton and Matt Romao.

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JP Pietersen gives Sharks belief and bite

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