The reason behind Siya Kolisi’s absence
The Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi, was set to earn his 50th cap for the Sharks last weekend.
However, his milestone was delayed after he was withdrawn from the line-up that recorded a massive win over Munster Rugby at Kings Park in Durban.
*READ: The Sharks team to face Cardiff
According to Sharks head coach JP Pietersen, the double World Cup winner sustained a calf injury and will also miss this Friday’s Round 14 clash against Cardiff.
While the extent of the injury is yet to be confirmed, Pietersen conceded that it has been a topsy-turvy journey for the loose forward, who is set to join the Stormers at the end of the season.
“He’s got a calf problem,” Pietersen said.
“He won’t be ready for next week, but we’ll see how it goes week by week.
“He feels good, but then some days he doesn’t feel so good. I don’t know what kind of calf injury it is, but we’ll look at it week by week and see how it goes.”
There is also the big omission of Edwill van der Merwe.
The coach confirmed that the Springbok is not injured.
However, it appears that the Springbok’s absence stems from the coach’s decisions for consistency.
“Luan Giliomee is young at fullback, and I just want to keep a combination in the back three with him, Yaw Penxe and Makazole Mapimpi,” Pietersen said.
“They were good last week, and I just want to keep the combination.”
Players not considered for selection due to injury or suspension:
Aphelele Fassi, Bongi Mbonambi, Bryce Calvert, Ethan Bester, Eben Etzebeth (suspension), Francois Venter, Grant Williams, Jaco Williams, Jurenzo Julius, Lili Bester, Manu Tshituka, Marvin Orie, Matt Romao, Ruan Dreyer, Simphiwe Matanzima, Siya Kolisi, Siya Masuku, Tinotenda Mavesere, Trevor Nyakane
