Pietersen says Siyaya switch to flyhalf is part of Sharks’ long-term vision

Young Sharks utility back Zekhethelo Siyaya is to make his debut at flyhalf when Bentton visit the Sharks Tank on Saturday. The Sharkswill use their final two United Rugby Championship matches to look toward the future, with coachJP Pietersenbacking young utility backZekhethelo Siyaya in a surprise move to flyhalfagainstBenetton Rugbyat Kings Park on Saturday. Siyaya, who has impressed at fullback during an injury-ravaged campaign for the Durban franchise, shifts into the No 10 jersey as Pietersen begins assessing long-term options in key positions, with Jean Smith sat to depart.

“Obviously, with Siya at 10, we’re planning ahead, planning for the future,” Pietersen explained at a media conference on Thursday afternoon. “Jean is moving on, he’s in his last season at the Sharks and we want to see if Siya’s got the capabilities of playing 10. “It’s good if you can play more than one position.

He played there in high school until about 16 years old. He started at flyhalf and then moved later to fullback, so we just want to see what he’s got at 10.” The decision means experienced options such as Smith and Ross Braude will provide impact from the bench instead, but Pietersen insists the switch is about discovering hidden depth in a squad that has battled injuries throughout the season, especially to the backline. It was the injury to another promising youngster, Luan Giliomee, that gave Siyaya his chance at fullback, where the former Westville Boys and SA Schools star excelled in matches against Edinburgh and the Ospreys.

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Litelihle Bester is another rising backline talent set for potential stardom, having made the bench for Saturday’s encounter. In terms of the injuries, Pietersen prefers to see the glass as half full. “We would never know if there weren’t injuries that we got a Siyaya, we got a Gilly and we’ve got to see Bester, hopefully he can also come through and perform.” The Sharks’ top-eight hopes have already disappeared, leaving the final two fixtures against Benetton and Zebre as opportunities to restore pride and continue building squad depth ahead of next season.

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