Ok, ok – so I’ve already owned up to getting this one wrong, but let me do it again just for the record. I completely misunderstood the JP Pietersen situation and reported, incorrectly, that he would be back with the Sharks a full three weeks before it actually happened.
My lack of knowledge about the Japanese rugby season led me to the conclusion that the “Top League Final”, which JP’s Wild Knights won a few weeks back, would be the last game of the season. It turns out that some other competition, the “Japan Championship” still had some weeks to run. The Wild Knights won that one too, so Pietersen returns to the Sharks this week (confirmed by Jake White) with two medals, rather than just one.
In talking to the Sharks website, the coach admits that he’ll have to think long and hard about involving Pietersen against the Reds this weekend, since it would naturally mean that one of the guys in the squad currently would have to make way. One feels that S’bura Sithole would be the most obvious candidate at this stage, which would be a shame after a good few minutes against the Lions.
There’s unfortunately no further clarity regarding the bout of illness that removed Pat Lambie from the equation this last weekend. I’ve heard talk that tick bite fever might be to blame, but there’s been no official confirmation of this. Whatever the case, until we hear otherwise, it’s perhaps safest to assume that he remains on the doubtful list for this weekend’s fixture.
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Welcome Back Mr Pietersen 😎
Indeed.Welcome back.Glad I’m not the one to pick the next eam and tell some hardworking soul he’s playing VC.
And all of a sudden we’re spoilt for choice at wing too. Sbu’s tackle to force that last lineout was a thing of beauty. I’m glad I don’t have to pick the wings but if I had to I’d give Sbu another go and reintroduce JPP after the Reds game
I d probably start JP off the bench this weekend in Sithole s place.
Kankow said he received a lot of communication from the sharks while he was in Japan regarding his pre season training that s why he could slot right in.
Lets hope the same holds true for JP!
With JP back, the backline is going to be like a Veyron with NOS – seriously over-powered.
If Lambie is still out, Steyn 10 Jordaan 12 Sithole 13 with JP on the bench is what I would do.
@Seth101 (Comment 6) : Hmm I m not sure about Jordaan at 12 …
Give FS and Heymar some time they ll find each other.
Ease JP in off the bench si that he s ready to start against Basson in 2 weeks time…
@Original Pierre (Comment 7) : Jordaan used to be a flyhalf and has played 12 before. He has the pace to be a 13 and maybe not quite big enough for 12 but definitly has the flair. And also its not a permanent thing but I think it could work well until Lambie is back.
@Seth101 (Comment 8) : What a relief that for a change I don`t really care what they do, even if it`s not exactly what I want, it`ll still be fine!
Was it just me that though that Frans’ passing wasn’t actually that great at 10 this weekend.
Look, his kicking was outstanding and his defence very good but I thought he battled horribly to get his backline away.
He almost looks too loose when passing and there were a few passes that went either too far in front or too far behind the receiving player which immediately stunted our momentum for that move.
Also, I wonder what type of condition JP is in. Probably more match fit than most but just needs to go on a special Mark Steele strength and conditioning program for a bit.
Seems like Jp has returned just in time. He will probably be put into the starting team Odwa’s father passing away
@John Galt (Comment 10) : no, I shared that feeling
@robdylan (Comment 12) :
But you did see the long ball to Mvovo in the build up to Jordaan’s try?
@Big Fish (Comment 13) : not saying he screwed up every pass 🙂
@robdylan (Comment 14) :
Not saying that you did.
But it was an absolute beauty.
Odwa is out so i expect to JP to come back but mayb off the bench with Sithole to start. If Lambie is a doubt Zeilinga will play 10 with Steyn and Jordaan at centre. Williams will be bench cover. Swiel will play 10 for VC side. I wonder if Daniel or Botes will get a look in this week?
Lourens van Der Merwe is reffing our game on Sat. I’ll say no more 🙁
@Sharksmad – The Blog’s Dudette (Comment 17) : I won’t pretend that’s not a blow.
But perhaps Lourens will be worse to the Reds than he is to us?
@robdylan (Comment 18) : Yes I am hoping that White Manages to intimidate him as well 😉
@Sharksmad – The Blog’s Dudette (Comment 19) : Are you going to the game?
@Sharksmad – The Blog’s Dudette (Comment 19) : LOL. White should rather just run him over with his car.
@Sharksmad – The Blog’s Dudette (Comment 17) : Was he the guy who reffed our away game against the Blue Bulls at Loftus last year?
@vanmartin (Comment 22) : no, that was Vinnie’s friend… why can’t I remember his name now.
Marius something?
@robdylan (Comment 23) : Well that’s a slight relief
@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 20) : Yes I will be at the game on Saturday. Husband and I have come up with a workable compromise. We are not attending the Derbies we will leave those for CC. But we are going to all the homegames that involve Non SA teams. That way I get to go to Stadium and he gets the odd weekend to vegetate 🙂 Both reletavily happy.
@robdylan (Comment 21) : I can do that!!!! I will print a photo of him immediately! I will use the excuse that I cannot see properly but thought that driving was a good idea! 😆
@Sharksmad – The Blog’s Dudette (Comment 25) : 😆 😎 , Well if you are going to the game then we can leave the coaching up to Jake and leave the intimidating of the ref up to you.
BTW do you know where Rekinek is?