By Brenden Nel.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi warned his Cell C Sharks teammates that there will be “no place to hide” in their Vodacom United Rugby Championship match against Irish powerhouse Ulster on Saturday.
The Sharks welcomed back their Springboks and hit the ground running with a 40-12 win over Glasgow Warriors but know they need to back it up if they are to make an impact in the longer run.
Ulster won their first match in South Africa this past weekend, pipping the Emirates Lions 39-37 in the Joburg heat and are eyeing the double away from home, giving them the chance to become the first side to do so in South Africa.
Kolisi, who returned to the side from international duty, believes his side need to take notice of Ulster’s form and front up accordingly.
“Ulster are second on the log and have a very strong pack,” Kolisi said.
“We have a big challenge ahead of us upfront, especially at the contact area. But we have confidence in ourselves, we have quality players and we back each other to go flat-out against Ulster.
“There will be no place to hide on Saturday, and we must all work hard and stand up for each other.”
Kolisi said the arrival of new Director of Rugby, former Blitzboks coach Neil Powell, had played a positive part in the side’s form this past weekend and the players were enjoying his input since his arrival.
“Coach Neil is amazing and very experienced in the sevens circuit and his voice means a lot because of what he’s achieved. Some of us have known him since we were 19 years old and it’s great to have him,” said Kolisi.
“He takes a lot of pressure off the coaching staff because he can manage everything off the field and make sure there are plans going forward so Sean can focus on the rugby.”
Kolisi particularly focused on Powell’s hands-on approach during training sessions as a massive positive.
“He gets stuck in with boys during training sessions and we really enjoy having him. He’s an honest and direct man and a very understanding man as well,” Kolisi added.
“Many of us have known Neil since we were teenagers, and we enjoy him … he is an honest and direct man, and we appreciate that.”
Kolisi said the team’s form overseas had been an inspiration to the returning Boks, and made them more focused when they returned to lift the standard.
“We were happy to be back, and we had seen how the group had enjoyed themselves overseas in how they played,” he said.
“We had a week off after the Rugby Championship, then a week of integration, and we are very keen to add value.
“We were excited to play, and I really enjoyed coming on with a lot to still to do in the match. We saw how Eben was adding physicality, and we wanted to bring similar energy.”
The Sharks are due to name their side for the Ulster clash on Thursday.