JP Pietersen blames inconsistency for Sharks shock defeat to the Lions

A win would have seen the Sharks retain the United Rugby Championship SA Shield but this result means the Lions are now only a point behind them and in a strong position to wrestle the trophy away from Durban.

While Pietersen says there were some positives his side could take from the game, it was a case of one step forward, two steps back, which meant his side were not able to get the better of the Lions.

Despite taking an early lead, a yellow card to Jaden Hendrikse allowed the hosts to take control of the game as they scored two tries while he was off the park.

The biggest problem the Sharks faced all game was their inability to mount pressure on the opposition as they constantly undercut their efforts with unforced errors.

"It's pretty poor if you look at our performance. We did some good stuff, but we can't back it up,," Pietersen said after the game.

"We defended well until then. But is it only the yellow card? I don't think so.

"We had a kick-off, they put a little kick through and the ball went through [Aphelele] Fassi's legs. Those are controllables.

"If we gather that ball and go forward, it's a different ball game.

"The way rugby works, you have to defend to get the ball back. When you get it back, you get territory and from territory you must build pressure.

"We never did that. We never turned pressure into points. We were just absorbing pressure.

The other individuals need to step up. Some of them are in transition and learning to become leaders, but that's part of the process."

Despite his disappointment in the performance, Pietersen reserved special praise for centre Jurenzo Julius, who was by far the standout performer among the Sharks.

"He was very good today. I love the way he backs himself," Pietersen said.

"His decision-making was good and he showed what he can do at 12. In the modern game you need to play more than one position. If he can master 13 and 12, he's a proper weapon for us.

"We'll re-look at what we can do better and how we can limit our soft errors and soft moments. The boys are hurting in the changing room."

READ MORE: Six Nations: Ireland produce stunning display to smash England at Twickenham