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JP Pietersen lifts lid on Nonu's role at Sharks and how the Boks will benefit
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Sharks head coach JP Pietersen has praised legendary All Black Ma’a Nonu for the impact he has had on the younger members of the squad, with the 44-year-old set to make his debut on Tuesday against the All Blacks.
The 103-cap New Zealand international joined the United Rugby Championship in a “high-performance mentorship” role in July, and has been named on the bench to play his former side in the second match of their Greatest Rivalry tour at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Tuesday.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Pietersen said that it will be an “emotional game” for the centre, who brought his international career to a close a staggering 11 years ago after helping the All Blacks win back-to-back World Cups.
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Pietersen also highlighted the way the Kiwi has helped the emerging players in the squad, namechecking Jurenzo Julius, Litelihle Bester and Zekhethelo Siyaya. The 18-year-old wing Siyaya is fresh from representing South Africa A against Zimbabwe in July.
The Sharks squad is littered with young players who will come up against an All Blacks side that have several of their stalwarts starting.
On the age profile of his side, Pietersen said: “They bring youth and energy which they will definitely show, as well as the fight. We want to be competitive for the full 80 minutes and give it a good go. We have some experience from the SA ‘A’ side, they’re players close to international level, so we have a great side.
“It will be a great contest, with the youth using this opportunity to test themselves against experience like Jordie Barrett and Damian Mckenzie. It will be a great battle for them to see how they go against a quality team.”
Turning his attention Nonu, Pietersen added: “His name says it all, he brings his experience and has been great helping guys like Jurenzo Julius, Lili Bester and Zekhethelo Siyaya learn how to prep and get ready for games,” Pietersen said.
“He’s also helped a lot with skillsets and it’s great that he’s been here with us and giving our young boys a feel of what the All Blacks may bring and what to expect.
“It’s been great having him around, he’s slotted in like he’s always been here and the boys love him.
“I think it’s going to be an emotional game for Ma’a.”
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