Despite fielding Du Toit and Nché, the Sharks were repeatedly penalised at their own scrum put-in during the 22-39 loss at DHL Stadium — a sharp turnaround from a strong scrum showing against Leinster the week prior. JP Pietersen pointed to a possible technical fault from Eduan Swart, specifically a brake-foot issue, though he was careful not to frame it as an excuse. He acknowledged the contest was genuinely competitive — crediting the Stormers' loosehead combination of Louw and Mchunu — but was clear that conceding penalties on their own ball, particularly just outside their 22, was what hurt the Sharks most. He flagged it as something that needs fixing ahead of their Challenge Cup opener against Lyon.
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JP Pietersen pins Sharks scrum woes on hooker technique after Stormers loss
JP Pietersen has identified a possible hooker technique fault as the root of the Sharks' scrum struggles against the Stormers, with Swart's brake foot flagged as a key issue — an area the Sharks will need to resolve quickly before their Challenge Cup campaign kicks off.
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