Sharks coach opens up on Kolisi's debut performance

REACTION: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt was pleased with Siya Kolisi’s contribution in a 45-12 win over the Bulls in Durban on Friday.

It was Kolisi’s first appearance in a Sharks jersey since moving from the Stormers in February and he was one of his team’s try-scorers in the victory.

Apart from a few hiccups on defence, Everitt believes the Bok captain’s Sharks journey has started well.

“I think the tackles that he missed was more of a system error rather than an individual error,” Everitt told reporters after the match.

“We are very happy with Siya. His role at No.6 at Western Province was slightly different from what he has here. With the No.6 role here at the Sharks, your work rate has got to be up there and you are playing a little bit more closer to the ball.

“He is adjusting and I thought he did exceptionally well for the first 40 [minutes]. He was only supposed to play the first 40 and then come off, but unfortunately, Notshe got a hamstring injury and he had to leave the field early.

“We had to push him [Kolisi[ a little bit longer. He is a fantastic rugby player and we are happy with his contribution.”

Overall performance

Everitt was pleased with his team’s overall performance in difficult conditions against the Bulls.

“I thought the guys were outstanding in the 31 minutes, but unfortunately it went a little bit awry. I won’t focus on the negatives; we know what those are and we can fix the things that didn’t work for us.

“The guys came out in very difficult conditions. It was humid and wet and they were really brave with ball in hand and we wanted to play quickly.

“It actually worked well and the skill level was really high,” Everitt added.

Main photo:  Sa Rugby