Sharks boss JP Pietersen impressed by Zekhethelo Siyaya

The Sharks have fallen out of the race to the United Rugby Championship playoffs with back-to-back losses on tour in Europe. They made their inclusion unlikely with a loss to plucky Ospreys last week, then made it official when they went down 33-28 to Edinburgh on Friday.  

But those losses have featured a fast-rising star. Junior Springbok Siyaya impressed on debut at against the Ospreys, earning him another start at fullback in Scotland on Friday. His skill under the high ball, rapid acceleration, tackle fight and eye for a gap were all on display as he delivered another standout performance.

"Siyaya impressed me yet again," said Pietersen of the 18-year-old.  

"This kid is unreal! The fight, everything that this kid does on the field is impressive. This is what you want from our players. You want to see this fight, this never-give-up attitude, this energy, whether on attack or defence.

“He has shown at this young age that he deserves to be at this level, and we are excited for what's to come. He is the real deal.”

Reflecting on the winless tour, Peitersen cut a dejected figure. 

"Obviously, I am very disappointed with the result," Pietersen said afterwards.

"These were two matches on the road that I felt we could have won, especially this one that seemed closer.

"Specifically on the game, I felt we had control in the first half. We started well, scored a good try. In saying that we gave away two tries in the first half through soft moments. At times, we didn't manage the game well. We gave away soft penalties and easy exits in our half.

"When we got the ball, we didn't kick it out, which would have given us control. We kept it in play, which put us under pressure and resulted in them scoring.

"In the second half, changes were made. It was a good start with Vincent Koch scoring. We were 21-14 up, which put us in a good position, but they scored soon after with a quick kickoff. We could have done better by anticipating that. I am not sure that all our players were past the 10m line, though, as the law requires, especially our flyhalf who kicked for poles.

"That put us under pressure and we didn't exit well. We scored a consolation try, but the game was over by then.

"We could have won the game with better control, kicking in the right areas and making better decisions on the night, but that is easier said in hindsight.

"We are learning as a group. This group is learning to win. My job as coach is to get this group of players to believe and to convert these opportunities into winning games. I am committed to doing this."

The Sharks round out their season with home matches against Benetton and Zebre.