JP PIETERSEN’S first match as a senior coach ended in heartbreak as the Sharks lost 26-25 to the Lions, but he says more is to come from his young charges.
“Losing a home game is a bitter pill to swallow, but we will be better in our next game . There was a lot of nerves out there which led to mistakes,” the former Springbok wing said.
“What I liked was how the younger players seemed to inspire the older ones with their passion,” the 37-year-old added.
“We have been big on showing them the history of the Sharks and what it means to wear the jersey. It is a privilege to play for the Sharks and there is no such thing as just another game.
“So I was pleased to see the boys play with hunger. We have the first game under our belt and have a reference point as we prepare for our next game, which is a tough one away to Griquas.”
A nervy first half for both sides had the Sharks leading 10-8 at the half-time break thanks to unconverted tries from wing Jaco Williams and lock Le Roux Roets.
However, a more experienced Lions team came back in the second half and were 26-20 up going into the final 10 minutes.
The Sharks moved up a gear and seemed to have scored the winning try when captain Nick Hatton scored in the last minute, but veteran flyhalf Lionel Cronje continued his unfortunate day with the boot by missing the conversion.
Earlier, the Pumas launched their campaign with an exciting 44-24 victory over Griquas in Kimberley.
The Pumas won the title in 2022 and laid down a marker with a solid victory over their big rivals from Kimberley.
Today: Cheetahs v Griffons, 1.55pm; Western Province v Blue Bulls, 3pm