In a bold move, JP Pietersen has positioned the young prodigy Zekhethelo Siyaya as the flyhalf for the Sharks in their upcoming Vodacom URC showdown against Benetton in Durban. This game marks only the third senior appearance for Siyaya, who has previously shown his skills at fullback. Stepping in for Jean Smith, who will now warm the bench, Siyaya's selection is a clear signal that the Sharks are eager to shake things up after missing out on a top eight finish—a significant letdown given their roster brimming with Springbok stars.
Adding to the drama of Saturday’s game is the emotional countdown to Springbok captain Siya Kolisi’s departure. Post-season, Kolisi will bid adieu to Durban and return to Cape Town to rejoin the Stormers. Reflecting on his time with the Sharks, Kolisi shared, "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 also expressed his gratitude towards the team for their support, emphasizing the importance of family and his appreciation for the city of Durban.
“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.”
Alongside the headline-grabbing inclusion of Siyaya and the poignant farewell to Kolisi, Pietersen has made several other strategic adjustments to the starting lineup. Ox Nché and Vincent Koch, both formidable Springbok players, are back in the front row. In the midfield, Jurenzo Julius will join forces with captain André Esterhuizen, while the returning Jaco Williams, another Junior Springbok, takes up the fullback position.
As the Sharks gear up to host Benetton, they're clearly pulling out all the stops to end the season on a high, despite the previous setbacks. With key players restored and fresh talent in the flyhalf position, the Sharks are not just playing for a win, but for pride and redemption.
SHARKS: 15 Jaco Williams, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 André Esterhuizen (c), 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 9 Bradley Davids, 8 Emmanuel Tshituka, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Ox Nche. Bench: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Phatu Ganyane, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Corné Rahl, 20 Nicholas Hatton, 21 Ross Braude, 22 Jean Smith, 23 Litelihle Bester.
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In a bold move, JP Pietersen has positioned the young prodigy Zekhethelo Siyaya as the flyhalf for the Sharks in their upcoming Vodacom URC showdown against Benetton in Durban. This game marks only the third senior appearance for Siyaya, who has previously shown his skills at fullback. Stepping in for Jean Smith, who will now warm the bench, Siyaya's selection is a clear signal that the Sharks are eager to shake things up after missing out on a top eight finish—a significant letdown given their roster brimming with Springbok stars.
Adding to the drama of Saturday’s game is the emotional countdown to Springbok captain Siya Kolisi’s departure. Post-season, Kolisi will bid adieu to Durban and return to Cape Town to rejoin the Stormers. Reflecting on his time with the Sharks, Kolisi shared, "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 also expressed his gratitude towards the team for their support, emphasizing the importance of family and his appreciation for the city of Durban.
“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.”
Alongside the headline-grabbing inclusion of Siyaya and the poignant farewell to Kolisi, Pietersen has made several other strategic adjustments to the starting lineup. Ox Nché and Vincent Koch, both formidable Springbok players, are back in the front row. In the midfield, Jurenzo Julius will join forces with captain André Esterhuizen, while the returning Jaco Williams, another Junior Springbok, takes up the fullback position.
As the Sharks gear up to host Benetton, they're clearly pulling out all the stops to end the season on a high, despite the previous setbacks. With key players restored and fresh talent in the flyhalf position, the Sharks are not just playing for a win, but for pride and redemption.
SHARKS: 15 Jaco Williams, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 André Esterhuizen (c), 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 9 Bradley Davids, 8 Emmanuel Tshituka, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Ox Nche. Bench: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Phatu Ganyane, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Corné Rahl, 20 Nicholas Hatton, 21 Ross Braude, 22 Jean Smith, 23 Litelihle Bester.