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Springboks captain Kolisi's verdict on back row switch under Plumtree
By Henry Lee
Following on from the Sharks back to back-to-back victories in December 2024, former All Blacks assistant coach and current Sharks head coach John Plumtree believes he’s getting the most out of Springboks captain Siya Kolisi at number eight.
After the Springboks captain won man of the match in their group stage 39-21 victory over Exeter on Saturday, his coach talked about the amount of ball Kolisi is getting at number eight.
“I like Siya at number eight. He gets more ball in his hands and he is such a skilful player,” head coach Plumtree said to the media after the victory.
“You want to give him the ball as much as possible, so I like him in that spot.”
Kolisi, who normally plays Blindside flanker for the Springboks, has been playing a different role for the Sharks.
Plumtree was very complimentary of Kolisi’s form, saying his knowledge of the game is helping the Sharks.
“At this stage of his career, he is such an intelligent rugby player and he understands the game really well,” Plumtree said.
“I think he is really enjoying it there and now with Vincent [Tshituka] out and James Venter out [due to injuries], Siya’s role becomes massive for us.
“He is playing really well, so it’s good for him.”
The 33-year-old seems to be enjoying the role, taking him back to his school days where he was first recognised as a future Springbok.
“I’m loving it, that’s where I started playing rugby, at number eight,” Kolisi said after the match.
“That’s where coach Rassie Erasmus spotted me when I was at school so it’s really good to get back to it.”
Not only is Kolisi getting his hands on the ball more, but the Springboks captain is also crossing the line more frequently, scoring two of his team's five tries in the contest against the Exeter Chiefs.
“I’m getting the ball in my hands more. I’m more involved in the game and I’m enjoying it.”
Sharks head coach has started Kolisi at number eight three times this season, and will likely continue to use his star player in this role.
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Latest Comments
Thanks for a most interesting article, Brett. The build up to Lions tours is always fun, and these articles are great for discussion, and in my case education, as I don’t always get round to watching all the Super games fully.
For example I had not realised Hodgeman was 31, thought he was younger. So he is right in that age bracket where props down the ages often reach their peak. With his NZ background, he is a huge asset to have, first at Qld, second for the WB’s.
Daugunu, yes, and the time at the Rebels has seen his game refined, he is strong candidate. The player I would add to the list is Josh Canham. Not many mentioning him atm, but at 2.02 m and 116 kgs, and the way he is playing for the Reds, I would be looking at him as strong WB squad member. Uru I really like, as he brings a lot of flair with his game.
Good to hear you report that Schmidt is now not ruling Langi Gleeson out of Lions games contention. Wise move, as he is having now a very strong season, even outstanding. Good to see potential now being realised.
I would think Carlo Tizzano would also be one that Schmidt is looking at with interest. He has workrd hard to get to where he now is, and is having a very strong season. Sam Cane type player, a hard man. I guess he is a worthy successor to that great Force 7 of times past, Matt Hodgson.
Go to commentsIDK what your on about, a lot of people down here were very much tuned in on the All Blacks
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