Sharks coach JP Pietersen has thrown his support behind the stream of young talent who have stepped forward amid a deepening injury crisis.
Teenagers like Luan Giliomee and Zekhethelo Siyaya have been thrust into the spotlight in recent weeks, and Pietersen has been impressed by how they have taken to the big stage.
“On Saturday, he [Siyaya] didn’t even look like an 18-year-old on the field,” Pietersen said. “That’s beautiful to see.”
The Sharks have been rocked by injuries to the likes of Springbok stars Aphelele Fassi and Ethan Hooker, forcing them to blood youngsters.
Siyaya made his debut against the Ospreys last week and has retained his place at fullback for Friday night’s encounter against Edinburgh.
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“When injuries happen, it gives another guy an opportunity to step up,” Pietersen said. “You can see what they do in training, and that gives you confidence to pick them.”
The former Bok wing drew on his own experience of breaking through as a teenager at the Sharks in 2005.
“I lived that experience,” he said. “I know how it feels. The saying was always: ‘If you’re good enough, you’re old enough …’”
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Giliomee starred on debut for the Sharks in a 45-0 thrashing of Munster last month, but was injured the following week against Cardiff.
Siyaya got his chance against the Ospreys and Pietersen was delighted with his performance.
“The way he plays with freedom and backs himself was good,” he said.
“Hopefully tomorrow [against Edinburgh] he can kick on and score some tries. It’s just beautiful to see an 18-year-old play with such confidence.
“You must give more credit to the youngster than to the coach. He’s the one taking the opportunity.”
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Pietersen also sees the long-term value in exposing talented youngsters to senior level.
“It’s a massive positive for us as an organisation,” he said. “We’ve got another guy who can put up his hand.”
Photo: Gruffydd Thomas/Gallo Images
The post JP: It’s beautiful to see confident Siyaya appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Sharks coach JP Pietersen has thrown his support behind the stream of young talent who have stepped forward amid a deepening injury crisis.
The post JP: It’s beautiful to see confident Siyaya appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
