Sharks coach JP Pietersen praised his side for putting Clermont away at Kings Park on Saturday.
The Sharks powered to a 50-12 victory over the French club’s second-stringers, keeping their Investec Champions Cup playoff hopes alive.
After a tight first half that ended 14-12, the hosts scored six second-half tries, including three late in the game.
REPORT: Sharks crush Clermont at Kings Park
“The message this week was very clear: we wanted to win first,” Pietersen said. “Everything else would take care of itself after that.
“I thought the starting team did their job, and a lot of that comes down to the tempo we played at and our accuracy. If you put teams under pressure like that, they’re going to give away penalties.
“What was really good to see today is that we put a team away. That’s something we’ve struggled with in the past – winning games but not finishing them off. Today, in the last 10 or 15 minutes, we were ruthless, and that’s something we want to keep building on.”
While Pietersen acknowledged that Clermont fielded a B team, he insisted the performance still carried real value for his side.
“This was a good confidence game for us. It gave us belief that our game model works. As a coaching staff, we still need to review honestly and look at how we can get better, because at the next level you’re playing a different class of team.”
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The Sharks now turn their attention to the Vodacom URC, where they face back-to-back matches against the table-topping Stormers – first in Cape Town and then at Kings Park.
“It doesn’t get any easier,” said Pietersen. “They’re a quality side who’ve been together for a long time and they know exactly how they want to play.
“They’ve shown over the last few seasons how consistent they are, especially in the URC, and they’re very strong at home and away. So for us, it’s another big challenge.
“This win gives us confidence and belief, but we also know the Stormers will test us physically and mentally. We’ll have to front up again, improve in certain areas, and make sure we’re ready for two tough derby games.
“That’s where we want to be as a group – playing against the best and measuring ourselves. The Stormers set a good standard and that’s what we’re working towards.”
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
