Sharks chase consistency as URC playoff pressure builds in Durban

The Durban outfit head into this clash on the back of a dominant 45-0 win over Munster. However, that result followed a mixed spell in local derbies, highlighting their struggle to maintain momentum. 

Speaking ahead of their 19:00 fixture against Cardiff, Pietersen explains that managing player workloads, particularly with Springbok rest protocols, has made it difficult to build continuity and cohesion within the squad. 

"I think if I know the answer, I'd probably write a book about it – how we can get that right, but ja, the consistency would always be a [challenge], as you can see from our results, we're a bit up and down," said Petersen.

"And that comes with [the territory], you know rugby is all about cohesion – the longer you play with combinations and team cohesiveness, it helps a lot when you're under pressure.

"And we've now had 10 days off, and obviously we built ourselves up nicely for Munster and we just want to keep consistency with the team.

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"And it's obviously hard when you've got Springboks resting the whole month of February – and they need to rest, it is what it is, and they are a big part of our squad, so that will always be a disruption but it is what it is.

"But that also makes it tough to build consistency in selection and obviously with cohesiveness in the team."

Pietersen also confirmed that Siya Kolisi is currently sidelined with a calf injury, delaying his milestone 50th appearance for the Sharks. 

"He's got a calf problem and I think he won't be ready even for next week, I think we'll see how he goes week by week – he feels good and then some days he doesn't feel good, so I don't know what type of calf [injury] it is but week by week we'll see how he goes," he added.