Zekhethelo Siyaya sustained a concussion after taking a teammate's leg to the head in the 35th minute of SA 'A''s win over Zimbabwe in Gqeberha on Saturday, leaving him in a race to be fit for the Junior Springboks' World Rugby Under-20 Championship campaign, which opens on June 27.
Coach Mzwandile Stick confirmed the severity of the blow, noting that Siyaya remained disoriented well after the final whistle. "He was still not sure where he was. But he's still alive, he's moving. He is still in Disneyland, though," Stick said.
Flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed, 19, also had his afternoon cut short when a yellow card for a dangerous tackle in the air was upgraded to red late in the third quarter. Stick acknowledged the error while contextualising Ahmed's inexperience. "A young kid got it wrong. He's only 19; he was in school last year." Ahmed is nonetheless confirmed for the Junior World Cup, with Stick hoping Siyaya recovers in time to join him.
Beyond the two disciplinary incidents, Stick expressed satisfaction with how a largely unfamiliar group performed against a Zimbabwean side that kept the ball in hand and worked into the SA 'A' 22 on several occasions. The clean sheet was the clearest measure of defensive resilience.
Fullback Luan Giliomee drew particular praise, with Stick highlighting his assured work under the high ball, his kicking game, and the confidence that carries over from his Sevens background. Stick also singled out wing Jaco Williams as another player who took his opportunity. "There are a couple of youngsters that took their opportunity... some of them did very well to put their hand up," he said.