OPINION: Sharks need Joe Pietersen back in 2017

The 31-year-old pivot came to the Sharks as a useful utility option being able to cover both flyhalf and fullback. In preseason preparations, Pietersen may have accepted the fact that he would play a backup role to both Lambie and Springbok fullback Willie le Roux this year.

However Pietersen was set for a long stint in the number ten jumper after Lambie badly injured his shoulder in the Sharks first preseason hit-out this year.

There were calls for Garth April to step up in Lambie’s stead and those were warranted as April proved a useful replacement in France. But Pietersen’s vast experience at Super Rugby level proved a stronger argument for his selection – and it proved to be the right one after five weeks of Super Rugby action.

The Sharks have won three, drawn one and lost one. The loss, to the Crusaders, was a result of a side that is still learning its strengths and weaknesses. The Sharks’ strength has been their massive defensive improvements, while their accuracy on attack is still a work in progress.

Nevertheless Pietersen has shown good game management this year. His kicking out of hand hasn’t faltered and he has provided some x-factor on attack.

He will do well to forget his missed-attempt in front of goal which would have sealed a win over the Bulls two weeks ago. Luckily the match was already drawn, but the fact is that the Sharks missed a number of scoring opportunities on the night. Pinning the blame on a single kick is not fair, especially if the Sharks want to be accountable for their performances.

With Lambie out of action until the Sharks return from their tour of New Zealand in May, Pietersen will continue to steer the ship in what will be the toughest stretch of the Super Rugby season.

The Sharks host the Lions next weekend, before they embark on a three match tour of New Zealand. They then return to Durban for their clash with the Hurricanes, before jetting off again to Argentina for their second clash against the Jaguars.

There is no doubt that the fixture list is a tough one and the Sharks will have their depth tested. Pietersen and April will have to share the load on tour while Lambie completes the final stages of his rehabilitation.

 Sharks must commit to Pietersen

The latest news out of the Sharks camp is that Pietersen will jet off to Japan after the Super Rugby season to play for the Kamaishi Seawaves. He only has a one year contract with the Sharks but word is that talks are ongoing for Pietersen to return in 2017.

As seasons past have shown, injury to critical players can have a massive influence in the outcome of a campaign. Last year, Lambie spent time on the sidelines and the Sharks struggled badly without an experienced replacement at flyhalf.

This year, they were faced with the same problem and Pietersen has answered that call with aplomb.

While some of the signings made by the Durban outfit have been questionable in the past, Pietersen’s has not. That is why it is imperative that the Sharks resign Pietersen for 2017 and beyond.

While he will be a suitable replacement for Lambie, he can cover both fullback and wing. His vast experience will also aid the development of April, as well as the likes of young Innocent Radebe.

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