Springboks captain Siya Kolisi has expressed his enjoyment of playing at number eight for the Sharks, highlighting how the position allows for more involvement in the game. Traditionally an openside flanker, Kolisi’s switch to number eight has been aimed at maximizing the team’s back-row depth. His increased ball-carrying duties were evident in the Sharks’ 39-21 victory over Exeter Chiefs in Durban, where he scored two tries.
Kolisi, always humble in victory, gave credit to Exeter Chiefs, acknowledging their strong physicality and difficult start to the game. He reflected on the resilience shown by the Sharks after a challenging opening from the visitors: “It was a tough game, credit to Exeter. The way they started the game – we thought it was going to go the other way. I think they’re one of the most physical sides from England,” he said in the post-game interview. “But we stuck to our guns, fought back, and scored from a loose ball, so I’m pleased with how we kept our composure.”
Looking back on the positional switch, Kolisi revealed that number eight was actually where he first caught the eye of Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus as a schoolboy. “I’m loving it – that’s where I started playing rugby, at 8th man. That’s where coach Rassie (Erasmus) spotted me when I was at school, so it’s really good to get back to it. I’m getting the ball in my hands more… I’m more involved in the game and I’m enjoying it,” he said.
The Sharks have made a strong start in the Champions Cup, but Kolisi knows that the road ahead is long and emphasizes the importance of securing a ‘home’ play-off spot. “We know it’s going to be hard. The Investec Champions Cup is so difficult – you have to win all the games to put yourself in the ‘home’ play-off spot. So this is the start, we’ve got to keep going.”