'There are plans going forward': Kolisi sheds some light on Powell's role
SPOTLIGHT: Sharks loose forward Siya Kolisi has been impressed by Neil Powell’s work ethic on and off the field at the Sharks.
The former BlitzBoks head coach officially started his tenure as the Sharks’ Director of Rugby after last month’s Sevens World Cup in Cape Town.
And he seems to have made an immediate impact, according to Kolisi.
Powell could be seen in the coaching box during the Sharks’ 40-12 win over the Glasgow Warriors in Round Five of the United Rugby Championship last weekend.
“Coach Neil is really amazing and he is obviously experienced in the Sevens circuit,” said Kolisi.
“His voice means a lot because of everything he has achieved and some of us have known him since we were 19 years old.
“He takes a lot of pressure off the coaching staff because he can manage everything off the field and also make sure that there are plans going forward. It means Sean [Everitt] and the other coaches can just focus on the rugby.
“It is good having him here and speaking to us and giving us advice.
“He also played the game and he actually gets involved in the training sessions.
“He is an honest man and a direct man. He goes straight to the point and he is a very understanding man as well.”
#ICYMI: Ulster will now be heading into their match against a star-studded Sharks outfit full of confidence. 👇#URC #Sharks #Ulster #SHAvULS https://t.co/o9eKQeE0Qa
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) October 18, 2022
A growing squad
Kolisi is a member of a Sharks squad brimming with fellow Springboks and centre Francois Venter will be the latest addition when arrives from England after the financial chaos at his former club Worcester Warriors.
It means the Sharks have plenty of depth in certain positions and Kolisi feels the competition for places will turn his team into a different beast.
“All we can do is work hard and perform each week,” Kolisi explained.
“I think the competition is good and it brings the best out of us.
“It takes away the complacency and coming back we can see how well they guys are playing.
“We just have to pitch up week in and week out.
“But we do enough. There is also a lot of rotation because of all the games we are playing, which includes the European Cup.
“One player can’t play all the games.
“Some guys play internationals, so that is also worked in.”
The Sharks face Ulster in Round Six of the URC in Durban on Saturday.
@rugby365com
*Â Picture credit:Â Howard Cleland/@SharksRugby
