Sharks coach JP Pietersen pleased with progress in Currie Cup

Defeating the Griquas 40-21 at Kings Park on Sunday afternoon was a real statement of intent from the Durban side, with head coach JP Pietersen's prophetic words, "give us time" proving true.

"You can see the growth in this young team in the way they performed," he explained after his team had downed Griquas.

"It's a great result from this young team and probably our best complete performance we've had this season. I'm really pleased for the team, this was their first home win and getting a bonus point in the process."

The team showed glimpses of their capabilities early on, but short of experience at this level proved to be their undoing. But as they found their collective footing, so those glimpses and moments turned into minutes and phases, and on Sunday, a complete 40 minute first half with a second half performance that wasn't far behind.

"We had some close results in the early part of our campaign, but it was a build-up of what we're capable of producing," he continued.

"With a young group, you're going to get a dip in concentration at times, both between games and moments.

"What I like about this group is that they learn quickly and they bounce back immediately which is exciting for a coach, seeing them put their hands up."

Much of how things went right in this game when they may have gone wrong earlier in the campaign was down to self-belief in a team where the average age is just 22.

"I always say, 'If you're good enough, you're old enough,' imagine if they could have started the Currie Cup like this," Pietersen enthused.

"It's exciting for the union and the future to see what these young players can do, to bounce back from last week's draw to deliver a complete performance on your home ground. It shows that some of these young guns were born to win games and they have a very bright future at the Sharks."

A bright future certainly beckons for Junior Springbok hooker Ethan Bester who was a late inclusion in the Hollywoodbets Sharks team to play Griquas, but went on to produce a Currie Cup Champion of the Match performance.

"Ethan got the opportunity to start with Dan Jooste pulling out and he showed his potential in this game.

"I must also give credit to Nick Hatton our captain, he's a youngster but he leads well, keeps calm and with his leadership, Ethan Hooker was able to express himself. So massive credit to Nick for his leadership."

As far as coaching goes, that first-half performance could not be faulted and demonstrates without fear of contradiction that this young team is on the right path.

"As a group, that's what we ask for, we wanted a fast start and to show fight and belief. Massive credit to the leaders, they were hard on setting high standards during the week and they guided their team-mates with a clear pathway on the processes.

"I think that was our best 40 minutes as a team and we just need to work on our second half going forward."

The Sharks will now play Free State and then Western Province (both away), before ending the pool stages with home matches against the Griffons and Blue Bulls in the cross-group round.

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