All Black fullback Damian McKenzie scores in the corner during their tour match against the Sharks at Kings Park in Durban. Sharks coach JP Duminy praised the visitors' backs for effectively exploiting space in the backfield with their kicking game.
JP Pietersen admits the Sharks were given a harsh lesson by the All Blacks at Kings Park on Tuesday night, but believes the experience will prove valuable as his young side continues its build-up to the United Rugby Championship season.
The Sharks were thrashed 54-0 by New Zealand in the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry clash, with the hosts holding the All Blacks at bay for periods of the opening half before the visitors took complete control after the break.
Pietersen, however, was reluctant to dwell on the scoreline, pointing instead to the significance of his players sharing the field with one of the world's premier Test sides.
"The scoreline is not nice to see, but the boys fought from minute one to minute 80," Pietersen said. "It's good to see in the change room and after the game how the young okes interacted with the props opposite them and just talked about the occasion.
