CHALLENGE CUP: Sharks flyhalf Siya Masuku thriving back in Durban – ‘He is in an ecosystem where his talent can grow’

Having played his part in driving the Sharks through to the Challenge Cup semi-final thanks to a 36-30 win over Edinburgh on the weekend, Sharks flyhalf Siya Masuku seems to have truly found his feet with the franchise.

“Siya is at a place where he can look around a room and know that everyone wants him to do well and succeed. He also sees that the other No. 10’s, vying for the same position, also still back him and challenge him,” said Joey Mongalo, the Sharks’ defence coach, in an interview with rugby365.com.

“He is a guy that has settled in nicely in Durban, settled within the team setup, and is settled in how we want to play. I think that is why he is excelling here at the Sharks. He is in an ecosystem where his talent can grow. He is also, in my mind, one of the toughest flyhalves in the country. He is very tough,” added Mongalo.

The win over Edinburgh earned Masuku the Man of the Match honours for the second game in a row, having also starred in the Round of 16 match against Zebre, where he notched five out of six conversions in the Sharks’ 47-3 demolition job of their Italian opponents.

“I’m really proud of Siya. He had a few bad moments against Edinburgh, but I’m really pleased with the way he overcame them. I was really proud with the way people got around him and encouraged him, and he came back and played well, particularly in that second half,” said Sharks coach John Plumtree.

“I think he’s done well for us, to push us in the right direction. I think he’s a good general for the team. He’s been good since he got his opportunity to start in the 10 jersey,” said Neil Powell, the Sharks’ Director of Rugby.

Masuku left the Cheetahs at the end of last season to return to his home province to play for the Sharks. The side has won four of the five games he’s started this season.