Siyaya at 10 for Sharks

JP Pietersen has named teenage sensation Zekhethelo Siyaya at flyhalf for the Sharks’ Vodacom URC clash against Benetton in Durban.

The speedster will only be playing in his third match for the senior side, and has started both his previous matches at fullback. He replaces Jean Smith who now drops down to the bench.

The Sharks have had two weeks to regroup following their failure to qualify for the top eight – a bitter blow for a squad packed with Springbok talent.

MORE: Siya fronts up after Sharks’ URC flop

Saturday’s clash will also mark the beginning of an emotional farewell for Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, who will leave Durban at the end of the season to return to Cape Town and rejoin the Stormers.

“It’s been tough, it’s going to be hard to say goodbye to the boys, it’s been a special place here and the people welcomed me and my family,” he admitted.

“My kids love the team and the city of Durban, so thanks to everyone for welcoming me and my family.

“I’m going to enjoy the last two weeks here, I’m grateful to the Hollywoodbets Sharks for everything, for supporting me and understanding how important family is, for helping me get closer to my kids.”

In some of the other changes, Pietersen has reinstated Springbok heavies Ox Nché and Vincent Koch to the starting XV while Jurenzo Julius returns to partner captain André Esterhuizen in the midfield. Another Junior Springbok Jaco Williams returns from injury and starts at fullback.

SCHALK: Sharks only got themselves to blame

SHARKS – 15 Jaco Williams, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 André Esterhuizen (c), 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 9 Bradley Davids, 8 Emmanuel Tshituka, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Eduan Swart, 1 Ox Nche. Bench: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Phatu Ganyane, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Corné Rahl, 20 Nicholas Hatton, 21 Ross Braude, 22 Jean Smith, 23 Litelihle Bester.

Team Announcement

Your Hollywoodbets Sharks are locked in and ready to take on Benetton Rugby this Saturday! pic.twitter.com/GvwtRfw2EZ

— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) May 7, 2026