John Plumtree backs Siya Kolisi’s switch to No 8 for Sharks’ Zebre showdown

Sharks coach John Plumtree is convinced Siya Kolisi can make a successful transition from flank to No 8, and is excited by playing the Springbok captain alongside Vincent Tshituka and Phespi Buthelezi.

The latter spent most of his career at No 8, but Plumtree knows all about loose-forward play as a former flank for the Sharks, and has moved Buthelezi to openside flank.

Tshituka was in fine form before being cut down by injury, and Plumtree is excited by his return to the loose trio for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship match against Zebre in Durban (2.45pm kick-off).

“I love this combination,” Plumtree said after announcing his team on Thursday.

“Their skill-sets complement each other, particularly on attack. All three can jump in the lineout, and they are all good defenders. They’re tough, rugged rugby players.”

The loose forward stocks at the Shark Tank are brimming with talent, and no player can afford to cruise, says the coach.

“Don’t forget that we have James Venter coming off the bench, and we’ve got Manu Tshituka and Nick Hatton in that space as well,” Plumtree explained.

“Those are six loose forwards I’ve really got a lot of time for at the Sharks.

“I particularly like this combination, but they will have to play well, because you’ve got three other guys – and not forgetting Tino Mavesere as well. We’ve got some very nice competition for those jerseys.”

Plumtree gave his reasons for swapping Kolisi and Buthelezi around in the loose trio.

“I like Siya at eight because of the skill-set he has on attack. We saw that lovely little touch he made on the sideline to put Jurenzo Julius away against the Lions in the last match. He’s got quick hands and some lovely offloading skills, which I like in an eight.

“I think Phepsi can play eight comfortably, but I’d like to develop him more as a six. It is a competitive position – you’re harder on the ball, and it’s a position I’d like to see Phepsi get better at.

“Phepsi is also a tough runner, we’ve seen that throughout the season.

“But I’ve been encouraging him to have a solid work-rate and to have a large influence on the game.”

Buthelezi has climbed the ladder in South African rugby from SA Schools to SA Under-20, then South Africa A, and last year, he was capped by the Springboks.

“Phepsi’s probably been our stand-out forward so far this season,” Plumtree said.

“He’s been consistently playing good rugby, but I’d like to see him develop in that six spot.”

Plumtree said that his team is refreshed after a week off, and can’t wait to play the Italians.

“Winning at home has been one of our big goals this year. It is very important. A big part of our motivation is to do well in front of our home fans.

“We have prepared accordingly. It is about transferring what we have done in training to the field on Saturday.”

Sharks Team

15 Henry Immelman 14 Yaw Penxe 13 Jurenzo Julius 12 Ethan Hooker 11 Makazole Mapimpi 10 Jordan Hendrikse 9 Jaden Hendrikse 8 Siya Kolisi (captain) 7 Vincent Tshituka 6 Phepsi Buthelezi 5 Emile van Heerden 4 Jason Jenkins 3 Vincent Koch 2 Bongi Mbonambi 1 Ox Nche.

Bench: 16 Fez Mbatha 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu 18 Hanro Jacobs 19 Corné Rahl 20 James Venter 21 Bradley Davids 22 Francois Venter 23 André Esterhuizen.