Kolisi Prioritizes Team Role Over Position
Hollywoodbets Sharks flanker and Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi, has downplayed the importance of playing his usual No. 6 or No. 7 flanker positions, stating his primary focus is simply being on the field.
This comes as the Sharks prepare for a blockbuster Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) semi-final clash against the Vodacom Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld this coming Saturday.
Since returning to the Sharks from Racing 92 in France, Kolisi has played at openside flanker (No. 6) three times, with the remainder of his appearances being at No. 8. Despite playing a different role than his usual Springbok position, Kolisi has been in stellar form for the Sharks at No. 8, scoring nine tries in 18 matches.
The 33-year-old, one of South Africa’s most beloved sports personalities, recently helped the Sharks secure a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Munster in the URC quarter-finals at Kings Park Stadium on Saturday. Although he had a relatively quiet game by his high standards, Kolisi played for 54 minutes before being substituted.
“Me, I’m one of those guys that whenever the coach wants me to play, I will play,” Kolisi affirmed. “It doesn’t really matter to me. If Coach John Plumtree sees me at eight for the Sharks, that is what I’m doing, and I’m enjoying it.”
He added, “[At No. 8], that was my first position for quite a long time. When I went into senior rugby at the Stormers, I was moved to blindside flanker – number seven – then later, I was moved to openside flanker [number 6]. But I’m very relaxed; I will play whenever I’m needed. I have played in all three positions in the back row, so I’m very relaxed. If I do make the squad, whether I’m playing six, seven, or eight, I’m relaxed. As long as I’m part of the team, I’m happy.”
The Sharks, having overcome 2023 URC champions Munster, will now face the Vodacom Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday with their sights set on the final. If they advance, the Sharks will meet either defending champions Glasgow Warriors or the formidable Irish side Leinster Rugby in the final.
The Sharks head into this semi-final against the Bulls as heavy favorites, having beaten them in the pool stages at Loftus Stadium earlier in February. However, Kolisi is anticipating a fierce challenge on Saturday.
“I’m expecting them to do what they are good at,” Kolisi said of the Bulls, who finished higher than the Sharks in the pool stages, thus earning the right to host the semi-final. “They are a good mauling side; they actually play a lot off the top and have strong loose forwards who can contest in the breakdown.”
He specifically highlighted key Bulls players: “Cameron Hanekom has been amazing this season; that’s why he is one of the contenders for player of the year. Jan-Hendrik Wessels, the way he has been playing lately, he has been good. Obviously, Ruan Nortje, Marcell Coetzee – for the pack, we know upfront it is going to be a big challenge for both packs. So, we are going to have to stand up to that. Then you have guys at the back like Embrose [Papier], Willie [le Roux], who takes charge, directs the attack of the Bulls, and their wingers can finish.
“Canan [Moodie], who makes good decisions from the outside there. So, there is a lot that you have to look at. That’s why it is difficult to prepare for them because there is so much they can do to you. They score through the counter and turnovers as well. For us, we have to be at our best. The plan we have for the day, we have to focus on that.”
Kolisi concluded by emphasizing the Sharks’ approach: “I think we are not going to focus on them too much. I mean, where are you going to start? It’s going to be a physical game. Set-pieces are going to be vital, but there is so much that can come out of the game – with attack, defense, turnovers, which they are good at, and we are good at that too.”
Pic courtesy of Steve Haag Sports
