EXCLUSIVE I JP Pietersen’s Sharks revolution: How a moment of silence sparked a new era

The first time JP Pietersen addressed the Sharks as interim head coach, he asked the players to describe the team’s identity and culture — he was shocked when there was silence.

“They could not answer me,” said Pietersen, who on Wednesday was confirmed as full-time head coach after taking over in a temporary capacity last December. “That was a worry, but also a good sign because I had something to work with.”

Pietersen, 39, said his next task was to sit with the leadership group and define a way forward.

“I asked the likes of André Esterhuizen (whom he would make captain) what type of rugby we want to play. I said we can only implement a game plan that we have the tools for. I can’t ask to play a slow game when I only have Cheslin Kolbes and a pack that can’t scrum.

“We settled on a gameplan that reflects the character of the group. We had tough, honest conversations about the type of rugby we want to play.

"First, I had to set the standard. I said it was unacceptable to lose by 50 points in Toulouse while never looking like we were fighting for the jersey. It just looked like we were making up the numbers and not getting stuck in.”

The Sharks have won five of seven games played under Pietersen since he took over on 5 December from John Plumtree, including two hugely impressive victories over the Stormers.

“In my first talks, I said I want pride in the jersey, and I want to see desperation. I said, let us not worry too much about the technical stuff at first. I want to see what it means to you to wear that jersey because you represent a brand that is well known worldwide, and you have fans who live and die for the Sharks.

“You need to show them appreciation, and not worry too much about results at first, because if you don’t fight, you won’t get results. It all goes together.”

Those were the first steps Pietersen took at the start of his journey in big-time coaching.

“My job is to keep repeating what is important, to keep the players honest and be on their cases from Monday to Saturday about standards.”

* Mike Greenaway is the senior rugby reporter at Independent Media and senior contributor on our Last World on Rugby podcast on our YouTube channel The Clutch