Former Springbok backing JP Pietersen to keep Sharks coaching gig

The 2007 Rugby World Cup winner took over the coaching reins from John Plumtree in December. At the time, Sharks management said they were still on the hunt for a head coach, and Pietersen would serve as interim coach.

Since, he's recorded two wins and a narrow one-point loss to the Lions in the United Rugby Championship last week.

"Everyone knew it wasn't going to be easy for him to take over a team that had already lost six of its previous seven matches in the URC," Jacobs told Netwerk24.

"I could tell from their game plan in that victory over Saracens (28-23) in the Champions Cup in December that he didn't try to make too many big changes to the way they are playing.

"In that game, it was very clear to me that his message to the men was to make Sharks fans proud of their team.

"He is also someone who, as a former player, enjoys great respect within the union. In his first three games, the big thing that stood out to me was how he and his management were able to get the experienced players, who are mostly Springboks, to put their hand up.

"We always talk in South Africa about giving opportunities to young and emerging coaches, and in my opinion, he is good enough to coach permanently at the highest level. A lack of experience may still count against him at the beginning, but he has now been given the opportunity at the union that I believe creates opportunities for young coaches like JP to come through.

"He doesn't have to back down at all from the challenges that await him, and he has already shown that he has a plan with the team to make them competitive again."

Speaking about the Sharks' game plan, Jacobs says they lack variety in attack, but is confident it will come in time.

"I just feel we need to try to get the ball to Ethan Hooker at outside centre a little bit more by playing less direct and not asking Andre Esterhuizen to carry the ball into the midfield all the time," added the former Sharks centre.

"However, this is the plan they want to play according to now, but with time, I believe JP will start to develop it to create other threats."

The Sharks face Sale Sharks in the next round of the Champions Cup on Saturday.