Sharks select 'an interesting name' at fly-half as Siya Kolisi bids farewell

The Hollywoodbets Sharks have named a changed side for Saturday’s Vodacom URC clash against Benetton, with head coach JP Pietersen handing the fly-half jersey to the relatively untested Zekhethelo Siyaya.

The South Africa U18 star was described as ‘an interesting name’. The 18-year-old started his first two Sharks games, against the Edinburgh and the Ospreys, at fullback.

His is the standout call in an otherwise mostly experienced side.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, who starts at flank for the injury ravaged Durbanites, did not hide his frustration after the Sharks’ top-eight hopes were ended last weekend.

“It’s been a tough week for us not making the top eight, we’re really disappointed, especially with the group that we have, we definitely should have qualified and we have no excuses,” he said.

United Rugby Championship

P

W

L

D

PF

PA

PD

BP T

BP-7

BP

Total

1

Stormers

16

12

4

0

56

2

Glasgow

16

11

5

0

55

3

Lions

16

10

5

1

53

4

Leinster

16

10

6

0

53

5

Munster

16

10

6

0

51

6

Cardiff Rugby

16

10

6

0

50

7

Bulls

16

10

6

0

49

8

Ulster

16

9

7

0

47

9

Connacht

16

8

8

0

44

10

Sharks

16

6

9

1

36

11

Ospreys

16

6

8

2

35

12

Edinburgh

16

6

10

0

33

13

Benetton

16

6

8

2

33

14

Dragons RFC

16

3

10

3

25

15

Scarlets

16

4

11

1

24

16

Zebre

16

2

14

0

15

“We want to finish strong because it hurts. The fans have been so supportive and we couldn’t deliver for them and the club and we know we should be better than we were.

“We have a big challenge this week. They’re a great team who have beaten some big sides this season, so we want to finish strong in these last two games and build going forward.”

Kolisi is part of an experienced pack that includes fellow Springboks Ox Nche and Vincent Koch, while André Esterhuizen captains the side in midfield alongside Jurenzo Julius. The Springbok superstar admitted his impending departure from Durban is weighing heavily as he prepares for his final appearances in Sharks colours.

“It’s been tough, it’s going to be hard to say goodbye to the boys, it’s been a special place here and the people welcomed me and my family,” he said.

“My kids love the team and the city of Durban, so thanks to everyone for welcoming me and my family.

“I’m going to enjoy the last two weeks here, I’m grateful to the Hollywoodbets Sharks for everything, for supporting me and understanding how important family is, for helping me get closer to my kids.”

Hollywoodbets Sharks
1. Ox Nche
2. Eduan Swart
3. Vincent Koch
4. Jason Jenkins
5. Emile van Heerden
6. Siya Kolisi
7. Vincent Tshituka
8. Emmanuel Tshituka
9. Bradley Davids
10. Zekhethelo Siyaya
11. Makazole Mapimpi
12. Andre Esterhuizen (c)
13. Jurenzo Julius
14. Edwill van der Merwe
15. Jaco Williams

Replacements
16. Fez Mbatha
17. Phatu Ganyane
18. Hanro Jacobs
19. Corne Rahl *
20. Nicholas Hatton
21. Ross Braude
22. Jean Smith
23. Litelihle Bester