Sharks turmoil: Siya, Eben step up as Powell picks up pieces: 'There were consequences'

Sharks director of rugby Neil Powell said the franchise had tough internal conversations this week following the fallout from last Sunday's 35-0 Cardiff bombshell, which saw the back of former head coach Sean Everitt.

Everitt, a popular figure inside the Shark Tank, was sacked on Monday, although the official line was that the two parties parted ways on mutual terms.

Powell said it needed returning Springboks – the country's most influential rugby leaders – Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth to show leadership and get their ship back on an even keel.

Kolisi and Etzebeth, however, were rested for Friday night's game against the Ospreys after playing England at Twickenham last weekend.

"You can imagine how painful and disappointing a 35-0 loss against Cardiff is," Powell told media during a tempestuous press conference on Thursday.

"We realised we weren't good enough and there were consequences because of that and that we're all part of those consequences.

"I was utterly disappointed, knowing that we can be a lot better than we were on the weekend.

"Yes, it was a different week. A lot of words were said in the week but it's now time to put those words into action.

"Guys like Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth were great for us this week and having those Boks back was really good to refocus us again and to make sure that we focus on the job at hand.

"We spoke a lot about what's happened and how we see the next week and that our focus needed to be shifted.

"It was obviously not easy but I think it was important for us to get together as a whole squad of 50 and talk about what happened over the weekend and get to a point where we agree and go forward.

"Yes, the 35-0 was disappointing. We've got to refocus and hopefully be successful in the next