Sharks head coach JP Pietersen.
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Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee believes the appointment of JP Pietersen as head coach has transformed the Sharks into a more formidable and motivated outfit ahead this weekend's United Rugby Championship (URC) derby at Loftus Versfeld.
The teams square off on Saturday, with the Bulls desperate to reclaim their "fortress Loftus" after a string of home defeats. However, standing in their way is a Sharks side that Coetzee suggests has found a new lease of life under the former Springbok winger.
Speaking during a press conference on Tuesday, Coetzee noted that the Durban-based franchise has evolved tactically since Pietersen took the reins. While the Sharks, who were without many key Springboks, suffered a narrow defeat to the Lions last weekend, the Bulls skipper saw enough in their performance to suggest a difficult afternoon awaits in Pretoria.
"You have seen a newly motivated team," Coetzee, who played with Pietersen at the Sharks, said. "They play an all-round game now, and JP has clearly instilled a good tactical base there. In the past, they might have relied on individual brilliance, but now you can see a team that is well-drilled across the park."
"It’s going to be a crunch game. We know what they are capable of, and with JP at the helm, they seem to be playing with a lot more belief."
The Bulls captain highlighted the set-piece and the aerial battle as the primary areas where Pietersen’s side will test the home team.
The Sharks will welcome back quite a few big players who were rested for last week’s match against the Lions at Ellis Park. Springboks Ox Nche and Siya Kolisi will add some grunt upfront, while centres Ethan Hooker and André Esterhuizen will add quality to their backline.
"They’ve got a few guys coming back as well, so it will be a very physical derby," he said.
"Every guy wants to give his best in a game like this. You’re playing against Springboks all over the park. It’s about the moments — whoever uses their opportunities and handles the pressure better normally gets through."