Sharks coach JP Pietersen says Saturday’s Currie Cup match against Boland in Pietermaritzburg is the perfect chance for flyhalf Siya Masuku to get some game time ahead of the Vodacom URC.
Masuku will make his first Currie Cup appearance of the season when he starts at No 10 at Woodburn Stadium.
“It’s a good opportunity for Siya to get a run,” said Pietersen. “He’s had a full pre-season but no game time, so yes, he might be a bit rusty. We’re not expecting fireworks from him, just a solid performance and some good minutes to get going again.”
The Sharks are coming off their first win of the tournament – a 29-21 victory against Western Province in Durban – but remain seventh on the log and out of semi-final contention. Boland, by contrast, are second, with four wins from five matches.
Pietersen expects a stern examination from the Cavaliers.
“Boland have been outstanding. They grind teams, they’re strong at set piece, they’ve got good loose forwards and dangerous backs like Donovan Don. James Tedder at fullback controls the game really well, and they’ve got an experienced nine in Louis Schreuder to steer things.
“They’ve also got cohesion – they’ve been together as a squad for months – and [coach] Hawies Fourie is doing an excellent job. That’s why they’re second on the log.”
The Sharks coach also wants to see his young side back up last week’s win.
“We’ve grown a lot over the past five games, but now the challenge is consistency,” Pietersen explained. “We want a better start than against Province, and we want to keep our performance going for the full 80 minutes.
“Boland will be a different beast – they’re a proud province, full of confidence, and they never give up. It will be a tough grind for our boys.”
The Sharks have also brought in Paschal Ekeji on the left wing, Albie Bester at inside centre, Jacques Marais at hooker, Mawande Mdanda at tighthead prop and Jannes Potgieter at blindside flank.
TEAM: Masuku back as Sharks aim to stop Boland’s charge
Saturday’s match will be staged at Woodburn Stadium, with Pietersen welcoming the chance to take the team into the community.
“It’s always nice to go up to Maritzburg. I think it’s a great initiative from Durban Tourism and the Sharks,” he said.
“We played a lot of warm-up friendlies there in my playing days and the people always turned out.
“It’s a good stadium, a tight ground with great atmosphere, and I know the community will come out and support us.”
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
