‘Grateful’ Sharks issue ‘exceptional talent’ tribute as Junior Springbok star gets ready to say Kings Park farewell
Rising URC star Luan Giliomee warming up with the Sharks last weekend and, inset, coach JP Pietersen
Luan Giliomee has been dubbed an “exceptional talent” as he approaches a crossroads in his young career.
The 20-year-old, who helped the Junior Springboks to World Junior Championship glory in Georgia in July, demonstrated his huge potential with a two-try player of the match display for the Sharks in their 41-24 United Rugby Championship victory over the Ospreys in Durban last weekend.
His first score was especially impressive as he sliced through from his own half, evading four defenders on a spectacular side-stepping run to the line. It was a very special performance all round from the fresh-faced full-back from the Western Cape, whose primary position is fly-half.
It was one that delighted the Kings Park crowd, yet they won’t get to see him in the colours of the Sharks for much longer. He is set to join the Bulls in the coming weeks as part of a swap deal, with hooker Esethu Mnebelele moving in the opposite direction.
Final appearance
It seems likely his final appearance for the Sharks could come this Saturday when they entertain URC champions Leinster Rugby. Head coach JP Pietersen spoke in glowing terms about the South African U20s, A and Sevens international following the bonus-point win over the Ospreys.
“He’s an exceptional talent,” said the former Springboks winger. “You can see what he has got. He understands the game, he understands space, he has got speed and has a kicking game, so he is an unbelievable talent. I’m just grateful I have had time with him, and we’ll still have him next weekend.”
When interviewed on receiving his player of the match award, the Bulls-bound Giliomee was still very much speaking from a Sharks perspective. “We wanted a nice start from the first game of the season,” he said.
“We are a young squad, but we are very talented. We back ourselves and the coaches back us. I would just like to thank the fans. We love them and they love us. It’s one of the reasons we play so hard, to satisfy them and make them proud. We have got a big game at home to Leinster next weekend and we can’t wait.”
Reflecting on the game as a whole, Pietersen was happy with what was a landmark victory over the Ospreys. “I’m pleased with the performance and pleased to get a win at home. It’s the first time the Sharks have won their first game in the URC,” he said.
“The stats will say there were a lot of handling errors from us, but that comes when you go forward, you want to move the ball. If we win, I’ll be happy with four points. We got five.”
In addition to Giliomee, Pietersen praised another 20-year-old – debutant centre Janco Purchase, who was called into the starting XV late in the day after Murray Koster withdrew through a back injury.
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“Janco did everything right, coming in at the last minute. It just shows how professional he is,” said the coach. “He’s a smart kid who wants it, and you can see from the performance he put in that he grabbed the opportunity with both hands. It’s great that we can complement our junior system for building confidence and equipping the young players to come through.”
The five-try Sharks gave debuts to six players in all, including winger Suleiman Hartzenberg, who is on loan from the Stormers. “He leads well defensively; he talks well on the field,” said Pietersen. “I’m happy that we have his experience to help, especially in the backs, where there are young players.”