Sharks youngsters ready to test themselves against All Blacks, says JP Pietersen

Sharks coach JP Pietersen believes his youthful side can compete for the full 80 minutes when they face the All Blacks in Durban on Tuesday.

The Sharks are the second stop for New Zealand on their Greatest Rivalry tour, and Pietersen has selected an inexperienced team for the occasion. Zekhethelo Siyaya, Vusi Moyo and Litelihle Bester are among those handed starting roles for the match.

Despite the challenge posed by an All Blacks team containing several players who featured in the recent Nations Championship, Pietersen expects the Sharks to embrace the opportunity rather than be intimidated by it.

“What the young boys got, they got the youth and energy which they will definitely show tomorrow in the fight,” Pietersen told reporters on Monday.

“They will definitely be competitive for all 80 minutes and give it a good go.”

The match will give several Sharks players the chance to measure themselves against established New Zealand internationals. Pietersen said the contrast between his young team and the experience in the All Blacks squad could produce an engaging contest.

“The youth versus experience, it will be a great contest,” Pietersen noted.

The former Springbok added that he would have relished the same opportunity as a young player, particularly against high-profile opponents such as Jordie Barrett and Damian McKenzie.

“I think if I was on the other side as a youth player, I’m looking forward to seeing how I can measure myself against Jordie Barrett [and] Damian McKenzie. It’ll be a great battle to see what you can do tomorrow against a very quality team.”

Pietersen’s comments come as the Sharks prepare for a demanding fixture against an All Blacks side that includes a number of players recently involved in international competition. New Zealand’s visit forms part of the Greatest Rivalry tour, with the Durban match marking the second stop on their schedule.

For the Sharks, the contest represents both a major challenge and an opportunity for their emerging players to gain experience at the highest level. Siyaya, Moyo and Bester will be expected to bring the energy Pietersen believes can help his side remain competitive throughout the game.

Kick-off at the Sharks’ Durban fixture is scheduled for 19:00 on Tuesday.