Sharks boss hails prodigious talent Luan Giliomee after MOTM performance

The Durban franchise opened their URC campaign with an entertaining five tries to four victory in front of the Kings Park faithful. Contributing with two sparkling tries was the 20-year-old former Junior Springbok Giliomee. He blitzed past no less than four defenders from deep to score his first in the 28th minute.

While the young talent is on his way to the Bulls in December, the Sharks are getting their money's worth from him.

Giliomee featured twice last URC season before playing for SA 'A', then went on to win the World Rugby U20 Championship in Georgia, then ran out in nearly all the Sharks Currie Cup fixtures. Now he's back carving up defenders on his way to man of the match accolades.

"He's an exceptional talent," Pietersen told the URC website.

"You can see what he's got. He understands the game, he understands space, he's got speed and he's got a kicking game too.

"So he's an unbelievable talent. I am just grateful I have had time with him and we'll still have him next week."

Upon receiving his award on Saturday, Giliomee was satisfied to please his coaches.

"We wanted a nice start from the first game of the season," he said.

"We are a young squad, but we are very talented. We back ourselves and the coaches back us. I would just like to thank the fans. We love them and they love us.

"It's one of the reasons we play so hard, to satisfy them and make them proud. We have got a big game at home to Leinster next weekend and we can't wait."

The Sharks are rebuilding. Part of that is the inclusion of young stars and Pietersen was also heaped praise on centre Janco Purchase who made his debut on Saturday.

"We talk about Gilly, but we had Purchie here who did everything right, coming in at the last minute. It just shows how professional he is," he added.

"He's a smart kid who wants it, and you can see from the performance he put in that he grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

"It's great that we can compliment our junior system for building confidence and equipping the young players to come through."