Sharks coach JP Pietersen has challenged his young side to produce a full 80-minute effort against Western Province at Kings Park on Friday night.

Both sides are winless after four rounds of the Currie Cup, having used it to develop youngsters, with the Sharks rooted to the bottom of the log.

Pietersen’s team began their campaign with heavy away defeats to the Lions and Vodacom Bulls, before a 7-5 home loss to the Cheetahs and a 26-17 defeat to Griquas in Kimberley.

Pietersen has made six changes and one positional switch to his team, with winger Pascal Ekeji having been ruled out with concussion, and flank Matt Romao, flyhalf Vusi Moyo and winger Christie Grobbelaar all having been called up to the URC training squad by John Plumtree.

Pietersen said he was encouraged by his side’s progress in recent weeks, but was looking for more.

“We’ve played good first halves or good second halves, but we’ve had lapses in concentration. What I want from the boys on Friday is a complete performance for 80 minutes.

“We definitely want to win games, but as coaches what we can control is performance,” he added. “If we get it right for the full game, there’s a great chance of winning.

“We also know the mental side is important for the youngsters — it’s not good to keep losing games — so we are mindful of that.”

TEAM: Smith back at 10 as Sharks seek first win

Pietersen said the return of experienced players on the bench could help steady the side in the second half.

“There’s some experience coming back — Bradley [Davids], Jannes [Potgieter] and Corne [Rahl].

“Last week we couldn’t get going in the second half and it put us under pressure. Having those guys come on will definitely help in whatever scenario we face, whether that’s speeding up the game or controlling it.”

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images