JP Pietersen says Zekhethelo Siyaya switch to flyhalf is part of Sharks’ long-term vision

The Sharks will use their final two United Rugby Championship matches to look toward the future, with coach JP Pietersen backing young utility back Zekhethelo Siyaya in a surprise move to flyhalf against Benetton Rugby at Kings Park on Saturday.

Siyaya, who has impressed at fullback during an injury-ravaged campaign for the Durban franchise, shifts into the No 10 jersey as Pietersen begins assessing long-term options in key positions, with Jean Smith sat to depart.

“Obviously, with Siya at 10, we’re planning ahead, planning for the future,” Pietersen explained at a media conference on Thursday afternoon.

“Jean is moving on, he’s in his last season at the Sharks and we want to see if Siya’s got the capabilities of playing 10.

“It’s good if you can play more than one position. He played there in high school until about 16 years old. He started at flyhalf and then moved later to fullback, so we just want to see what he’s got at 10.” 

The decision means experienced options such as Smith and Ross Braude will provide impact from the bench instead, but Pietersen insists the switch is about discovering hidden depth in a squad that has battled injuries throughout the season, especially to the backline.

It was the injury to another promising youngster, Luan Giliomee, that gave Siyaya his chance at fullback, where the former Westville Boys and SA Schools star excelled in matches against  Edinburgh and the Ospreys.

Litelihle Bester is another rising backline talent set for potential stardom, having made the bench for Saturday's encounter. 

In terms of the injuries, Pietersen prefers to see the glass as half full.

"We would never know if there weren't injuries that we got a Siyaya, we got a Gilly and we've got to see Bester, hopefully he can also come through and perform."

The Sharks’ top-eight hopes have already disappeared, leaving the final two fixtures against Benetton and Zebre as opportunities to restore pride and continue building squad depth ahead of next season.

Pietersen admitted missing the playoffs still stings.

“We’re disappointed. Not to qualify for the top eight, it still hurts,” he said. But what we can do is put a good performance on. We want to thank the fans for supporting us and the players just want to play for each other.

“It’s been a tough campaign with a lot of challenges, but you must give credit to the group. They keep coming back on a Monday with a positive attitude and fighting to make the jersey proud.”

Benetton arrive in Durban fresh off an impressive victory over Leinster, and Pietersen expects a physical challenge from a side packed with Italian internationals.

“They’ve got a good kicking game, a strong set piece and loosies that are good on the ball,” he said. "They do well with (Louis) Lynagh, going high in a contestable game and they got Rhyno (Smith), who probably knows the Sharks inside and out so you've got inside info for what we bring to the table.

“If you look at what they did against Leinster, they pressured them in the kicking game and at set piece time. So we know what’s coming.”

For Pietersen, however, the bigger picture remains player development and ensuring the Sharks emerge stronger from a frustrating season.

“That’s why we make the move, playing Siyaya at 10,” he said. “To see if we can find some gold in Siyaya.”