‘Siya is still in pre-season’

Sharks coach Sean Everitt says star signing Siya Kolisi still needs more time to adjust to the team’s systems after he was left out of the team to face the Lions.

The Springbok captain completed a move from the Stormers to the Sharks last month amid much fanfare, with many anticipating his debut in the Preparation Series.

ALSO READ: Am to lead Sharks against Lions

However, Kolisi was not among the senior players brought back into the team for this Saturday’s clash with the Lions in Johannesburg.

Speaking in a media conference on Thursday, Everitt provided an update on Kolisi’s status and when he expects to make his first appearance in a Sharks jersey.

‘Siya is still in pre-season with us,’ Everitt said. ‘He finished his first full week of training this week.

‘We must understand that the defensive systems and the attacking systems are very different to where he has come from.

‘It does take time to learn and if we feel he understands our model well and understands the systems, then we will give him a go next week [against the Vodacom Bulls in Durban].

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images