Siya Kolisi’s absence explained while JP Pietersen clarifies Springboks speedster’s omission
Sharks and Springboks stars Siya Kolisi and Edwill van der Merwe.
JP Pietersen has revealed that Springboks captain Siya Kolisi is struggling with a ‘calf problem’ that is delaying his 50th appearance for the Sharks.
The 34-year-old double Rugby World Cup winner was initially named in the team to face Munster last weekend in the United Rugby Championship in what would have been his milestone match, but he withdrew before the game.
He has subsequently been left out of the Sharks’ matchday 23 for the meeting against Cardiff on Friday evening, with Nick Hatton, Vincent Tshituka, and Phepsi Buthelezi making up the loose trio instead.
Siya Kolisi’s injury
Speaking to the media, Pietersen conceded that he is unsure about the timeframe for Kolisi’s return, with the coaching team taking a week-by-week approach over his availability.
“He’s got a calf problem,” the head coach explained.
“He won’t be ready for next week, but we’ll see how it goes week by week.
“He feels good, but then some days he doesn’t feel so good. I don’t know what kind of calf injury it is, but we’ll look at it week by week and see how it goes.”
A surprising omission from the Sharks‘ starting line-up is Edwill van der Merwe, with the Springboks winger fit for action, but he is still overlooked.
Pietersen clarified that the reasoning for his absence in the matchday 23 is purely down to the coaching staff’s decision to back consistency following the comprehensive win over Munster.
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Young full-back paired with experience
That means that rookie full-back Luan Giliomee earns his second cap for the Durbanites and is again paired with experienced wingers Makazole Mapimpi and Yaw Penxe.
“Luan Giliomee is young at full-back, and I just want to keep a combination in the back three with him, Yaw Penxe and Makazole Mapimpi,” Pietersen said.
“They were good last week, and I just want to keep the combination.”
The only changes to Pietersen’s team come in the backline, with Grant Williams ruled out and replaced by Bradley Davids, who has just returned from a spell on the sidelines, whilst Ethan Hooker is named in the centres as he returns from family responsibility leave following his father’s passing.
If Kolisi does return to action for the Sharks, he could earn his 50th appearance for the side next weekend in the Challenge Cup last-16 game against Connacht, a match that Eben Etzebeth will also be available for selection with the Friday night clash against Cardiff being the final fixture of his suspension.
