Following the Hollywoodbets Sharks’ victory over the Exeter Chiefs on Investec Champions Cup matchday 1, captain Siya Kolisi was overjoyed with how his match at the alternative position of number 8 had gone.
Despite a 39-21 score to show for their efforts, the Hollywoodbets Sharks were well-tested at home by Chiefs, who impressed Siya Kolisi with their strength and physicality.
Speaking post-match, Siya Kolisi, who scored two tries to help his side to their bonus point win, was quick to praise the English side:
“It was a tough game, credit to Exeter. The way they started the game, we thought it was going to go the other way. I think they’re one of the most physical sides from England.”
The Investec Player of the Match then went on to explain how it was important for the Sharks to remain firm and stick to their plan in order to eventually overcome the visitors:
“But we stuck to our guns and fought back and we got a loose ball and were able to score from that so I’m glad of how we kept our composure.”
One of the keys to getting a win on their Investec Champions Cup opener was arguably Kolisi’s new position - number 8.
Shifted from the side of the scrum to the back of it by coach John Plumtree, Kolisi looked to be in control of the position, dominating several tackles, not to mention his two tries.
Quick to confirm that he had loved his run-out at the rear end of the scrum against Chiefs, Kolisi harked back to his childhood when asked about how it had one:
“*I’m loving it - that’s where I started playing rugby, at 8th man. 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.”*
Given the chance to speak on what the win meant in terms of team celebrations, Kolisi did not hide the fact that the work has only just begun for the Hollywoodbets Sharks this season, who will be looking to go all the way:
“We know it’s going to be hard. The Investec Champions Cup is so difficult - you have to win all the games to put yourself in the ‘home’ play-off spot. So this is the start, we’ve got to keep going.”
Next up for the Sharks is a trip to England to take on the Leicester Tigers in Round 2.