Plum: Siya's fine and ready to run

10/24/2024 08:06 AM

Sharks chief John Plumtree has allayed any concerns around Siya Kolisi’s personal life and is excited to see how the veteran performs at No 8 in a new-look back row this week.

Speaking in a Sharks teleconference on Thursday, Plumtree addressed his decision to shift Kolisi from openside flanker for Saturday’s Vodacom URC clash against Munster in Durban, while expressing the franchise’s support for the two-time Springbok World Cup-winning skipper following the announcement of his divorce to Rachel Kolisi on Tuesday.

The positional switch sees Phepsi Buthelezi move to the bench and James Venter and Vincent Tshituka joining Kolisi in a revamped loose trio at Kings Park.

“I want to see how James Venter, Siya and Vincent go together, I quite like that combination. They’re all three very physical loose forwards,” Plumtree explained. “I think Siya at 8 can free up more of his running game, and he’s also really good on the ball in terms of his poaching.

“Often No 8s can get more of an opportunity to poach than a No 6 can as a second arrival at the tackle area.”

The move marks a return to familiar territory for the Bok captain. “I think he’s really looking forward to playing No 8 because it’s a position he has played a lot in his early days with the DHL Stormers and it’s a position I’m keen to see how he goes in,” Plumtree added.

On Kolisi’s off-field situation and mental state, Plumtree emphasised that the Sharks are respecting the 33-year-old’s privacy. “Ah, he’s fine and looking forward to the weekend. He’s had a really good week and trained well. It’s his own personal business and it’s really got nothing to do with us.

TEAM: Siya at 8 as Sharks rotate for Munster clash

“It’s a very sensitive subject around Siya, and better that we stay out [but] we’re here for him like you’d expect from a major organisation like the Sharks.”

The Sharks, who climbed to 13th place on the overall URC standings after last week’s win over the defending champions, Glasgow Warriors, now face another formidable challenge in former title-holders Munster, who are seeking redemption following their defeat to the Stormers.

“A very proud club, they’ve come on tour and lost their first game so they’ll be looking for a response,” Plumtree noted. “They’re physical, very tough up front and are a team that plays a lot of rugby. Yup, we’ve played two champion clubs, one last week and one this week, so another really big test for us.”

The Durban outfit, strengthened by their returning Boks and led by Eben Etzebeth, are looking to improve on their previous encounters with Munster, which include two losses at Thomond Park and a draw in Durban.

“We’ve had a good week together, the boys have spent some time off the field together and connected,” said Plumtree. “We’re expecting a good performance, and we’ll put pressure on ourselves for a good performance.

“We want to do well at home in front of our fans. We know the challenge is significant against Munster, and that excites us.”

Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images

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