Hollywoodbets Sharks backline coach Dave Williams said the young players took their opportunities in the absence of several star players in their 29-19 bonus-point win over the Vodacom Bulls in Pretoria.
"The Sharks as an organisation is a united front, so we know we need a squad that can win tournaments and qualify for play-offs, so utilising the whole squad is important during the season, it's great for these guys to get an opportunity."
Williams said players like Lukhanyo Amm help a lot in preparing the younger players for big matches like the Bulls on Saturday.
"Lukhanyo is an outstanding leader, coming back from that injury. He actually asked me to check in on him at 60 minutes which I forgot to do and he went the full 80 at 12 and then to 13, so I think he did a great job today."
"I've actually spoke to Jurenzo Julius when he joined the Sharks, one of the reasons he joined was the people he had in that position to learn from, I think what we look at here, sharing with him, in terms of Ethan Hooker and Jorenzo Lukanyo is outstanding."
"Tino Mavesere took his opportunity with both hands tonight and becomes another player in the mix for that back-row position, so it’s great for us."
"The guys coming back from resting protocols and injuries will just strengthen our group and create competition throughout the squad."
"It’s now about finding the best route for returning players to come in and get game time."
On the preparation for the Bulls clash Williams said: "As a group we've got a lot of belief, we knew where the points of pressure were that the Bulls would impose on us."
"The yellow cards obviously weren't planned for, but the fight and the intensity that was shown throughout the game really took us there."
"I think it blew out a little bit towards the end of those two tries, but it was a real contest."
"It was never, you never sat there as a coach and thought this was going to be an easy day, we knew with the Bulls how much pride they've got at home, so it was a proper contest."