Pietersen to give Plumtree 'headaches'

SPOTLIGHT: Former Springbok wing JP Pietersen wants to give John Plumtree some selection headaches over the next few seasons.

Pietersen, who was a player under Plumtree during the latter's first stint as head coach of the Sharks between 2008 and 2013, was unveiled as Head of Junior Rugby at the Durban side this week and he is already hard at work setting up a programme to provide the union with talented youngsters.

Pietersen has already shown his pedigree by helping the Sharks win the SA Rugby Under-20 Cup in April.

"I have to set up a whole junior programme for the Under-19s, U20s and U21s," said Pietersen when asked about his role at the franchise.

"I am very passionate about kids coming to Durban.

"I was also a youngster and I know Durban in and out, so I will try and develop players for the Sharks.

"My job is to give Plum [Plumtree] headaches by applying pressure from the bottom up, so that youngsters can put their hands up and hopefully Plum can see the potential in those youngsters."

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A wealth of knowledge

With Plumtree returning as head coach of the senior team after 10 years, Pietersen is hoping he can feed on the 57-year-old's coaching knowledge.

"I played most of my rugby under Plum, so I am excited that he is back.

"He knows the Sharks' DNA in and out from the 1990s and 2000s.

"Plum is going to bring what Durban people like to see and I think he knows how to get Durban people excited.

"He is very professional when it comes to rugby coaching. We have known each other for a very long time now.

"He upskilled himself with Ireland, the Hurricanes and the All Blacks, so there is a lot more to Plum than before and that is exciting.

"It is also very exciting for me as a coach to learn from him and to take in what he has leant over the last few years."

@rugby365com