Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will undoubtedly be happy to allow full focus to shift back to rugby matters after the bombshell announcement this week that his marriage to long-time partner Rachel had come to an end.
The much-loved couple shared an incredibly classy statement explaining that the mutual separation was completely amicable, and while contending with that personal matter, Kolisi will now be looking to channel his energy into another strong performance for the Sharks.
With the coastal side preparing to face Munster this weekend, Sharks coach John 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.
“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 have named another star-studded squad for this Saturday’s clash against Munster in the United Rugby Championship, with Kolisi interestingly handed a new role.
Kolisi will start in the rather unfamiliar position of No 8 in a rejigged loose forward trio, which sees Vincent Tshituka selected at blindside flank, with James Venter at openside.
“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,” Plumtree said.
“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 Stormers and it’s a position I’m keen to see how he goes in,” Plumtree added.
Kolisi forms part of a strong Sharks team
Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Eduan Keyter, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Siya Kolisi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Eben Etzebeth (captain), 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Ruan Dreyer, 19 Jason Jenkins, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Francois Venter.
Date: Saturday, October 26
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 16.00 (15.00 UK & Ireland time; 14.00 GMT)
Referee: Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
Assistant referees: AJ Jacobs (South Africa), Stephan Geldenhuys (South Africa)
TMO: Mike Adamson (Scotland)
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