Ever since returning to the Sharks for a second stint in Durban after leaving French club Racing 92, Siya Kolisi has been in sensational form.

The Springbok captain – who was the Man of the Match in the Champions Cup clash against Exeter Chiefs this past weekend – has interestingly been shifted to No 8 at the Sharks, and the regular openside flank is clearly enjoying this new opportunity.

“I’m loving it – that’s where I started playing rugby, at eighthman,” he commented recently. “That’s where coach Rassie (Erasmus) spotted me when I was at school so it’s really good to get back to it. I’m getting the ball in my hands more. I’m more involved in the game and I’m enjoying it.”

Siya Kolisi’s role change can have multiple benefits

Besides adding to Kolisi’s versatility, former Springbok legend Schalk Burger has highlighted how playing at No 8 is largely less taxing than openside flank, and could help extend his international career even if he doesn’t play there for the Springboks.

“No 8 is one of those positions as you get older you don’t work as hard,” Burger said.

“You can pick your battles in and out, you can save the engine, you’re not revving it into red all the time whereas at openside flanker you have to.

“Siya’s one of those players, there’s not a lot of them, where the older you get the better the skill set has become and he looks beautiful in open play which is nice to see.”

Previously, Sharks coach John Plumtree highlighted why he felt this was a good move for Kolisi.

“I think Siya 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,” Plumtree said.

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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/siya-kolisis-new-role-could-extend-springbok-career/