The versatility of Siya Kolisi, and how he goes about his business in the loose trio, could be one of the pivotal selections made by coach John Plumtree yesterday as the Sharks attempt to finally beat the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship this weekend.
The Durban-based outfit have yet to register victory against the visitors in the tournament after six attempts.
But based on the match-23 Plumtree revealed yesterday, there is every possibility that that narrative will become a thing of the past.
It is a powerful team, bursting with Springboks and exceptional talent, and the New Zealander has had to consider his options carefully to make space for all of it.
That has seen Springbok and Sharks captain Siya Kolisi move to the somewhat unfamiliar position of No 8 for the Stormers clash, as he did at the end of last month in their 41-24 rout of Munster.
“I like the five loose forwards that we’ve got at the moment, and I love the way that they work together. They’re big, tough men, and that’s what we need.”
Impressed with the 33-year-old’s performance then, Plumtree has opted for Kolisi to once again combine with flanks James Venter and Vincent Tshituka as his loosies.
The continued selection of Kolisi at the back of the scrum also has the possibility of adding a degree of utility and longevity to his Test career, as he attempts to remain in form for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
“I think if you look at his game against Munster,” Plumtree explained yesterday about Kolisi’s selection at No 8, “his skill levels are really good.
“I like the way he can play at No 6 because he likes attacking the ball on the breakdown. He’s got good attributes as a skilful loose forward, and also, he doesn’t mind the dark places.
“So, he can play in that No 6 and No 8 role quite comfortably. On the edge of the park, he’s got good acceleration and can catch-pass. All that stuff sort of comes naturally to Siya.”
Moreover, as pointed out by Plumtree, deciding the trio and their replacements – Phepsi Buthelezi and Emmanuel Tshituka – demanded a holistic approach.
Said Plumtree: “I don’t look at just the one person: I look at the combination and how they can work together.
“With Venter, you’ve got a warrior. You’ve got this guy that’s just relentless – a defender, a cleaner. I quite like Siya and Venter as a combination.
“Then you’ve got Vincent, who’s sort of in the same mould as Siya, but with a bigger body. I also like the fact that Manu and Phepsi can come on and are quite similar players.
“So, I like the five loose forwards that we’ve got at the moment, and I love the way that they work together. They’re big, tough men, and that’s what we need.”
Plumtree decided not to play any mind games when revealing his match-23, showing his strongest hand that should have a beleaguered Stormers quaking in their boots, even if it is ever so slightly.
The only Springboks not considered for the clash are lock Eben Etzebeth, who Plumtree described as “a bit dented” after his recent national duty, and hooker Bongi Mbonambi due to a bereavement.
Nonetheless, the Sharks welcome back prop Ox Nche, Vincent Koch, Kolisi, Grant Williams, Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse, Makazole Mapimpi, André Esterhuizen, Lukhanyo Am and Aphelele Fassi from the recent Bok tour of the UK.
The Stormers, too, will welcome back their Boks, but it remains to be seen who and how coach John Dobson will select his team.
The mouthwatering tie kicks off at 5pm tomorrow at Kings Park.
Sharks Team
15 Aphelele Fassi 14 Ethan Hooker 13 Lukhanyo Am 12 André Esterhuizen 11 Makazole Mapimpi 10 Siya Masuku 9 Jaden Hendrikse 8 Siya Kolisi (captain) 7 Vincent Tshituka 6 James Venter 5 Gerbrandt Grobler 4 Jason Jenkins 3 Vincent Koch 2 Dylan Richardson 1 Ox Nche.
Bench: 16 Ethan Bester 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu 18 Trevor Nyakane 19 Corné Rahl 20 Phepsi Buthelezi 21 Emmanuel Tshituka 22 Grant Williams 23 Jordan Hendrikse.