Sharks coach JP Pietersen dedicated his team’s dramatic 40-33 Challenge Cup victory over Lyon to the memory of Hyron Andrews, saying the performance showed the character and identity he wants his players to take on tour.
The Sharks snatched victory at the Stade de Gerland on Saturday when wing Litelihle Bester scored an 82nd-minute try, just moments after Lyon scrumhalf Baptiste Couilloud’s converted try had drawn the hosts level at 33-33.
“Today is a really special one,” said Pietersen. “Not just the rugby, but also with Hyron passing away yesterday. It’s quite emotional. We’ll definitely dedicate this win to Hyron.”
Andrews, who died suddenly in France on Friday, spent most of his playing career with the Sharks, making more than 100 appearances for the Durban side before joining the Lions via a season at the Sale Sharks.
Pietersen was delighted with the way his team fought until the final whistle to secure a winning start to their European tour, which continues with URC matches against Cardiff and Munster over the next fortnight.
“If you look at the game, we deserved this win,” he said. “We’ve got some really special players in our group and it was a squad effort.
“There was fight for 80 minutes in the game and to finish it off like that was truly special.”
For Pietersen, the victory was about more than the result. It was an opportunity for the Sharks to strengthen their bonds on tour and demonstrate the qualities he wants them to be known for.
“We want to build connection on tour, we want to show character, and we want to take our identity overseas,” he said. “And clearly, today, you can see there was fight for 80 minutes.
“As the head coach, that’s all you can ask for, guys to fight for the badge, fight for identity, and fight for each teammate.”