Ndungane feels pressure′s off as Sharks rally around JP Pietersen ahead of Clermont clash

The Hollywoodbets Sharks’ Champions Cup clash against Clermont Auvergne at Kings Park on Saturday (3pm kick-off) may have arrived early in JP Pietersen’s interim reign, but his former Sharks and Springbok teammate Odwa Ndungane believes it represents a valuable checkpoint rather than a defining moment for the young coach.

Pietersen took over from veteran John Plumtree in December 2025 and enjoyed a positive start to his reign with back-to-back wins, before the Durban side slipped to consecutive defeats. It was a fairly young and experimental side that fell 26–10 to Sale Sharks in the last round of Champions Cup fixtures in Manchester last weekend, despite putting up a brave fight. A number of the Sharks' Bok big guns have been recalled for Saturday's match.

While results have been mixed, Ndungane insists Pietersen has not been placed under undue pressure, arguing instead that the context of the Sharks’ season has created an environment where the interim coach can work with clarity and freedom.

“I wouldn’t say he’s in a difficult position,” Ndungane said. “For a young coach like JP, I think the timing couldn’t be more perfect, even if the team is in a difficult space.”

Ndungane pointed to the high expectations that surrounded the Sharks at the start of the 2025/26 campaign. When those expectations were not met, the weight of disappointment shifted from the coaching box to the broader squad.

“John Plumtree had a full pre-season and we expected quite a lot, and it didn’t go as planned,” Ndungane said. “So JP comes in now as an interim coach and he knows where he stands.”

That clarity, according to Ndungane, has allowed Pietersen to focus on restoring standards rather than chasing an instant transformation in the Sharks' fortunes. He feels one of the most noticeable early changes came in the Sharks’ defensive intent and discipline—areas that had previously undermined their performances.

“If you look at the two games when he took over, there was just something different about the fight, especially defensively,” Ndungane explained at the Hollywoodbets event at Greyville Racecourse in Durban to announce football icon Michael Owen as the brand's latest ambassador. “Discipline has been an issue, which we saw quite a big improvement in when JP took over.”

Saturday’s meeting with Clermont, one of France’s most physical outfits, will provide a stern test of those early foundations. Yet Ndungane believes the match should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a referendum on Pietersen’s credentials.

“I think the nice thing that he has is he definitely has quality players,” Ndungane said. “He’s worked with the youngsters in the Currie Cup, and he’s given a few of them chances.”

Crucially, Ndungane feels the interim tag has removed the fear of failure from Pietersen’s brief as the Sharks chase qualification for the playoffs in the Champions Cup and United Rugby Championship this season.

“I think he doesn’t have pressure. If he doesn’t qualify, it’s not JP’s fault. If he qualifies, yes, it’s great,” he said. “As much as it’s a difficult position, I think the pressure’s off. He must just go and enjoy the experience.”

For Ndungane, the most encouraging sign ahead of the Clermont encounter is the response from the playing group. “From what I’ve seen, the team really plays for him,” he said.

The Sharks are in fifth place in their Champions Cup group ahead of Saturday's encounter, with five points, while Clermont are one place below them and are still chasing their first points of the campaign in the final round of group fixtures.