Mike Greenaway
Sharks coach JP Pietersen says the introduction of Baby Bok Jurenzo Julius was the spark his struggling team needed to break their Currie Cup drought.
Julius was outstanding in scoring two key tries on Saturday to help the Sharks to a 35-22 defeat of the previously unbeaten Lions at Ellis Park.
The Sharks have chosen to allow their United Rugby Championship players to enjoy their mandatory eight-week vacation in one block and that has forced Pietersen to pick youngsters, many of whom are unknown to the rugby public. But that is about to change as Julius, in particular, shot his hand up into the Joburg air as a player that is destined for big things.
The former Paarl Roos Gymnasium inside centre scored sensational solo tries early and late in the game to inspire the Sharks to an unexpected victory.
Julius had joined the Sharks after being a part of the unsuccessful SA Under-20 team in the recent World Rugby Championships in Stellenbosch but he found the Currie Cup to his liking.
Pietersen said: “We have been working hard but results had not gone our way, We had three narrow losses going into this game and we needed a spark to give the guys belief. That came in the form of Jurenzo and a few other returning Baby Boks.
“We knew we were close to success ‒ we were about 80% there but could not get over the line.
“I am so pleased that these young men have proved what they can do. They have shown the character that is required to be a Shark.
“I have always said that I am not focused simply on winning but am about consistency in performance to do the job. This is a big step in the right direction.”
This week the Sharks travel to Nelspruit to play the Pumas while the Lions are away to Griquas. The Cheetahs host the Bulls on Friday and Western Province host the Griffons on Saturday.