Plumtree explains Siya's move to No.8

SPOTLIGHT: Sharks head coach John Plumtree expects Siya Kolisi to be more dangerous with ball in hand when he runs out in the No.8 jersey against Munster on Saturday.

Plumtree unveiled a new-look loose trio for that clash at Kings Park with Kolisi moving to the back of the scrum and James Venter and Vincent Tshituka getting the flank positions.

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“I quite like that combination,” said Plumtree.

“All three are very physical loose forwards.

“I think Siya at No.8 could free up more of his running game and he is really good on the ball in terms of his poaching.

“Often No.8s can get more opportunities to poach than the No.6 because they can be a second arrival at the tackle area.

“It’s a combination that I am really interested in.

“I was really happy with the way Manu [Emmanuel Tshituka] and Phepsi [Buthelezi] played last week [against Glasgow Warriors].

“They both had a big step up in their game, so there is some nice competition in that loose forward trio, which is really what I want.”

Plumtree also wanted to send a reminder that Kolisi is no stranger to the position.

“I think he is really looking forward to playing No.8 because it’s a position he played a lot in his earlier days for the Stormers and it’s a position I’m’ keen to see how he goes in.”

He added: “I don’t see it as a gamble, I see it more as an opportunity for him to run with the ball and we know he loves that.

“I reckon it will be good to see how he goes in that position.”

@rugby365com