POINT TO PROVE Siya Kolisi (pictured) leads the Sharks with confidence into their United Rugby Championship semi-final against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld, defending his team amid criticism and backing scrumhalf Jaden Hendrickse. Picture: Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix
Image: Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix
Based on the heavy criticism directed their way, you could be forgiven for thinking the Sharks have had a poor season in the United Rugby Championship, but Springbok skipper Siya Kolisi said all that matters is putting in a strong performance in their semi-final at Loftus Versfeld, in Pretoria, on Saturday.
The Sharks finished the regular season third on the 16-team table, behind only the Bulls and Leinster.
The Sharks scraped through their quarter-final against Munster, winning in a rare penalty shootout.
One of the reasons there’s been much criticism of the Sharks is that they have no fewer than 12 Springboks in their squad. Though regular captain Eben Etzebeth has been ruled out for the semi, it’s not much of a disruption for Kolisi to take the captaincy reins. His first point of order was batting aside unwarranted jabs at his side.
Kolisi Defends Hendrickse Amid Gamesmanship Controversy, Eyes Confident Victory Against Bulls
"I know this is a massive topic, there are many reasons why we haven't played to our full potential. A lot of people are looking at the results and the way we play,” Kolisi told SportsBoom.co.za
"The most important thing is we are winning, and we know there will be a day where we will play well. We have a lot of confidence [in beating the Bulls] as our team has done this before. We have beaten the Bulls three times this season, but we know all of that means nothing and it will be a new fixture this weekend. We have a lot of confidence heading into the match.”
During the penalty shootout with Munster, Sharks scrumhalf Jaden Hendrickse mysteriously lay prone on the field with apparent cramp after taking his kick. He was then seen winking at Munster’s Jack Crowley in a clear act of gamesmanship, which sparked outrage from the visitors and on social media.
Kolisi, though, gave his full backing to Hendrickse following the incident.
"There is absolutely nothing wrong with what Jaden did there. These things happen in rugby, and other teams have done similar things before. Sometimes people also say things to me in a game, and the onus is on the person and what they do when they are provoked." "There are players in Jack's team [Munster] who also do the exact same thing to other players from the opposition. It's just that this time on the day, it was heard from the referee's mic. We stand with Jaden!"