JP Pietersen has declared Zekhethelo Siyaya's experiment at flyhalf a success after the 18-year-old impressed in the Sharks' 46-7 demolition of Benetton in the URC.
Siyaya, who had caught the eye at fullback in his first two URC outings, was shifted to No.10 as part of a deliberate succession plan by Pietersen, with Jean Smith heading to Benetton at the end of the season.
"With Siyaya at No.10, we are planning ahead for the future," Pietersen said. "We want to see if Siyaya has the capability to play flyhalf. It will be good if he can play more than one position. He played there in high school up until Under-16 level before transitioning to fullback."
The result left Pietersen effusive. "It seems like he's been there for ages, and he's only 18 years old. He answered my questions at No.10 — he can do the job in that position."
Mapimpi was stretchered off in the 37th minute after a dangerous tackle by Jacob Umaga left him concussed, though Pietersen confirmed the wing has since recovered. The injury handed Litelihle Bester his URC debut, and the debutant marked the occasion by finishing a try in the corner. "He's been working hard behind the scenes, had a few injury setbacks, but he took his opportunity with both hands," Pietersen said.