JP Pietersen is framing the Sharks' failure to reach the URC playoffs not as a disappointment but as context for a rebuild that's already underway. Speaking after a 54-19 hammering of Zebre — a match that doubled as a farewell for Kolisi, Jean Smith, Le Roux Malan and Grant Williams — Pietersen pointed to the squad's age profile (roughly 60% under 23) as reason for genuine optimism. Names like Jurenzo Julius, Jaco Williams, Lilli Bester, Vusi Moyo and Zekhetelo Siyaya are the evidence he's leaning on, and he believes the depth is noticeably better than it was at the start of the season. The identity he's trying to build — fast, physical, relentless — is still a work in progress, but Pietersen is confident the pieces are in place heading into pre-season.