Sharks Playmaker Siya Masuku Deserves Wider Recognition, Says Springboks Great Eben Etzebeth
Springboks legendary lock Eben Etzebeth believes that Sharks fly-half Siya Masuku deserves as much recognition as his more famous namesake, Springboks captain Siya Kolisi.
Masuku has been in stunning form for the Sharks in 2024, taking over the pivotal position in February and helping to lift the Durban-based outfit from the foot of the United Rugby Championship table. The playmaker has also been instrumental in the team’s run to the Challenge Cup final, starting every knockout clash after missing the pool stages.
Etzebeth praised Masuku’s performances, particularly in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, where he scored 18 and 22 points against Edinburgh and Clermont Auvergne respectively. “He puts his body on the line, he’s a warrior, and I mean, that’s what you want in a 10,” the Springboks great told SuperSport.
The Sharks had a difficult start to the campaign under returning head coach John Plumtree, but Etzebeth believes the team’s recent success in the Challenge Cup has eased the pressure on the 58-year-old. “When you come into a new environment like the coaches have, it’s not going to change overnight,” the lock said. “You probably need a couple of months for everyone to buy into your plan and I think that is starting to happen.”
With the Sharks facing Gloucester in the Challenge Cup final on Friday, Etzebeth believes Masuku’s performances could see him garner the same level of recognition as his more famous namesake, Siya Kolisi. “Hopefully the people will start realising now what a special player he is,” the Springboks legend concluded.
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