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JP: Sharks to shift to bold new blueprint

The Sharks are changing the way they build, and it starts with backing youth when it matters most. Head coach JP Pietersen has outlined a clear shift in approach, revealing that emerging players will no longer be eased in through low-stakes matches, but tested in the heat of big-game rugby. “That was the issue last year,” Pietersen admitted at a media roundtable on Friday, referencing the challenges faced under former coach John Plumtree, where squad depth and preparation were stretched. MORE: Sharks rocked by Bok withdrawal “But as you can see now, there are a lot of youngsters who have been blooded into the senior squad, and we are giving them opportunities in big games, not like we used to by playing them in games that were not important. “You saw that in the game against the Stormers, where we gave new talent a chance (wing Jaco Williams), and this weekend against Munster, we have Luan Giliomee starting at fullback. “This is what we are going to do. Blood youngsters and see if they are capable of performing at URC level. We want to see them in pressure situations, so we are blending up-and-coming youth with the seniors that we already have.” It’s a deliberate strategy and one that signals a long-term vision rather than a short-term fix. The Sharks are not turning their backs on experience, though. SHARKS CEO: No role for Plum in new structure Veteran Springboks Bongi Mbonambi and Vincent Koch have both had their contracts extended, ensuring a strong leadership core remains in place to guide the next generation. Their presence is expected to be crucial in mentoring a wave of young front-row talent coming through the system, including Rambo Kubheka, Kai Pratt and Sethu Mnebelele. For Pietersen, it’s all part of a bigger plan. “We have a plan for the 2026/2027 URC season,” he said. “This is why the national Under-23 competition (which is getting underway) is important for us to see more of our youth coming through, and it will be the same with the Currie Cup.” Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images The post JP: Sharks to shift to bold new blueprint appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

17 minutes ago

Brumbies mark Slipper record in thriller

The ACT Brumbies celebrated James Slipper becoming the most capped Super Rugby player ever in style. The Brumbies came from behind to claim a sensational 33-24 win against the Chiefs in Canberra on Friday. Inspirational All Black Damian McKenzie steered the Chiefs to a 24-7 advantage on the hour mark and they looked destined for victory. But the hosts came storming back with 26 unanswered points in the final 20 minutes. Wallabies winger Corey Toole converted try at the death sealed the points to spark celebrations for Slipper in his record 203rd game. The previous all-time appearance mark of 202 had been held by retired All Blacks and Crusaders great Wyatt Crockett since 2017. “The ones where you don’t win and you’ve got a milestone just don’t feel the same,” Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said of ensuring the veteran prop marked the occasion with victory. “It was great to see the boys play the way they did in that second half,” he added. “We’ve had a couple of those [close wins] this year, and it builds confidence.” It was welcome relief for the Brumbies, who lost their past two clashes after winning their opening three games of the season. But it was hugely disappointing for the Chiefs, who have now lost two from five. “I definitely feel like we could have won the game … so we’ve got to be better there,” Chiefs captain Luke Jacobson said. “I’m pretty frustrated. We just weren’t able to build enough continuity in our attack.” ALSO: Blues land ex-All Blacks coach After Slipper received a guard of honour from both teams, the Brumbies struck early with Hudson Creighton flying over in the opening five minutes. But the Chiefs responded with two converted first-half tries and a McKenzie penalty giving them a 17-7 lead at the break. That was stretched when McKenzie dotted down in the 56th minute before the Brumbies flicked a switch with three tries in 10 minutes to Ryan Lonergan, Charlie Cale and Declan Meredith. Toole then ran the length of the field with McKenzie chasing as the clock ticked down to clinch the win. Photo: Mark Nolan/Getty Images The post Brumbies mark Slipper record in thriller appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

2 hours ago

Wales Super Rygbi Cymru

Wales Super Rygbi Cymru