Sharks building depth for battle on two fronts, says coach JP Pietersen

Domestically, the Sharks won their fourth Currie Cup clash in a row with an impressive 31-23 win over Western Province in Cape Town on Saturday. But this is just part of the broader plan, as their Currie Cup campaign has seen a horde of keen youngsters get their chance to shine in the black and white.

This depth will be vital in the months to come as the Durban franchise does battle in the prestigious Champions Cup and United Rugby Championship simultaneously.

"We never look at the table as a goal - we're always looking at blooding youngsters - that was our number one objective in the group," said Pietersen, as per rugby365.com.

"I'd say some of them will be ready for the URC - it's just to see who's going to be the future, I think we mustn't get too excited that they must play now - there's still a process they need to go through . It could be nice if Plum [John Plumtree] can just blood them slowly in the URC - it's also a different level and different competition we're going to.

"It shows there's an exciting group, I think there's about ten plus okes that we can build going into the future."

Pietersen has been filling in for Sharks boss John Plumtree, who has been back home in New Zealand for some much-deserved rest and rehabilitation. The Kiwi returns to the driving seat in the next few days and Pietersen will resume his age-group duties.

"We spoke before the competition started, so Plum will take over going into the Griffons game [on 31 August] so they will go straight into Griffons and Bulls so they will start their prep for the URC and I will go back to under-21," confirmed the former Springbok. 

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