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Siya Kolisi’s divorce from soon-to-be ex-wife Rachel has dominated this week’s headlines.
But he’ll have to forget about his personal life on (Saturday) October 26 when the Sharks face Munster at 16:00.
Traditionally a flanker, captaining the Springboks to two World Cups in that position, Sharks coach John Plumtree has relocated him to number eight this weekend, believing it will free up the skippers game.
Sharks sit twelfth on the log but lie only eight points behind second, meaning a win tomorrow could elevate them up the leaderboard.
Plumtree’s reaction to Kolisi’s divorce
It seems Plumtree will take the laissez-faire approach by focusing on the game and not poking the player on his personal matters – smart move.
“He’s fine and looking forward to the weekend. He’s had a really good week and trained well. It’s his own personal business and it’s really got nothing to do with us.
“It’s a very sensitive subject around Siya, and better that we stay out [but] we’re here for him like you’d expect from a major organisation like the Sharks,” Plumtree added.
“I think Siya Kolisi at 8 can free up more of his running game, and he’s also really good on the ball in terms of his poaching. Often No 8s can get more of an opportunity to poach than a No 6 can as a second arrival at the tackle area,
“I think he’s really looking forward to playing No 8 because it’s a position he has played a lot in his early days with the Stormers and it’s a position I’m keen to see how he goes in,” the 59-year-old concluded.
Sharks line-up vs Munster
Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Eduan Keyter, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Siya Kolisi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Eben Etzebeth (captain), 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Ruan Dreyer, 19 Jason Jenkins, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Francois Venter.
Their next game will be against the Stormers on November 30, following the Springboks’ November tour of the UK.
Do you think Siya Kolisi is South Africa’s greatest captain?
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