Sharks players thrilled with Bok win

THREE smiling Sharks players were among the handful of Springboks who were presented for post-match interviews after Saturday’s victorious Test against England.

Among them was 21-year-old Marcell Coetzee, who produced an impressive performance in his Bok debut.

“The match flew by so quickly, but being a part of this great team and winning the match was awesome,” he beamed. “I felt like a duck on the pond, everything looked gentle above the water, but below I was kicking like crazy. I admit that I had a lot of butterflies… When you represent your country, you have to give it your all, you have to play with passion and heart and even if I made a little difference, then I’m happy. I feel I can hold my head up high, I fought for my country.”

The robust flanker said it had been a big step up in terms of intensity. “The English brought a lot of physicality to the game, they showed that in the first half when they beat us at the breakdown, but we adapted and gave them some South African physicality in the second half. There was some nervousness early in the game but we knew we had to return to our structure and believe in it… I’ll never forget this game as long as I live.” Fellow flanker and man-of-the match Willem Alberts enjoyed surely his best game in a Bok jersey.

“I knew that if I got back to full fitness and had good Super Rugby games I’d get a chance,” he said. “I’m just grateful for that opportunity and I just wanted to play to the best of my ability. England played really well, they were physical and brought the game to us, particularly in the first half. I think it’s going to be a high-quality series.”

Winger JP Pietersen said it had been a morale-boosting win.

“It was a great victory for us; it’s a new start and a great feeling to get that first win. The way we played in the second half was a particular positive when our decision-making improved. We’ll take confidence out of this encounter.”