JP Pietersen believes new attack coach Scott Mathie is the right man to instil a “brave, exciting” flavour in a Sharks backline brimming with youthful flair ahead of the upcoming United Rugby Championship season.
Mathie has joined the Sharks from Edinburgh Rugby, but before that enjoyed coaching success in the US. During his time in charge of Griquas (2019-2020), he earned the nickname “The Giant Killer” after leading his side to sensational victories over Super Rugby opposition.
Pietersen is also encouraged by Mathie’s overseas experience as a dynamic scrumhalf. After playing for the Sharks and Bulls, Mathie had spells with Sale Sharks and Leeds Carnegie.
“Scottie has settled in nicely. It feels like he has been here for two or three years,” said Pietersen, as the Sharks continue their pre-season preparations for the URC and the upcoming clash against the All Blacks on August 11.
“It is like he has come home,” Pietersen said, of the Durban High School old boy.
“I started playing Currie Cup rugby with him back in 2006 under Dick Muir. Scottie was at scrumhalf and I was on the wing.
“We have always had a good relationship, and he was often around Durban when he was with the Free Jacks in the USA. Whenever he was back home, he would come and visit us.”
Pietersen said Mathie, who has replaced Dave Williams as attack coach after Williams moved into the role of general manager, has integrated seamlessly.
“The players love him. Scottie has that energy and aura that all attack coaches seem to have.”
Pietersen said Mathie’s international experience, both as a player and a coach, made him an attractive appointment.
“We want to think outside the box on attack. Last season we struggled to win games in Europe.
“From his time there, Scottie understands how we can improve in those conditions. He knows how European teams think and how they deal with difficult weather.
“You can see Edinburgh have a good skill set. They are brave and innovative, with exciting attacking moves. Scottie has brought that thinking to us — that we can keep the ball for longer and challenge defences.
“We want to be brave and exciting with the attacking talent we have in players like Jurenzo Julius, Zekhethelo Siyaya, Vusi Moyo and Jaco Williams. We want them to move the ball.”
Meanwhile, the Sharks XV named their team to face the Stormers XXIII in the Currie Cup on Saturday (kick-off 7pm).
SHARKS XV TO FACE STORMERS XXIII
Sharks XV starting XV: 15 Luan Gilliomee, 14 Christie Grobbelaar, 13 Marnus Potgieter, 12 Janco Purchase, 11 Lyle Matthews, 10 Tim Swiel, 9 Ross Braude, 8 Thomas Dyer (capt), 7 Danio Botha, 6 Luaan Olivier, 5 Deon Slabbert, 4 Johan Momsen, 3 Simphiwe Ngobese, 2 Bryce Calvert, 1 Cameron Dawson; Replacements: 16 Liam van Wyk, 17 Phiwayinkosi Kubheka, 18 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 19 Hanu Pieterse, 20 Jean-Henri Smit, 21 Juan Loots, 22 Albie Bester, 23 Khuthi Rasivhaga
