BLOG: Sharks in 2022 – battle of the quickest

This Currie Cup season is going to be an interesting one, but I have a feeling The Sharks has this one in the bag.

The first player that jumps to mind when considering underrated wings is Thaakir Abrahams.

With an electric style that almost mimics that of the great Cheslin Kolbe it’s a shame people don’t give him the praise he deserves. He is fast and he is slippery. Two important factors in any good wing.

He represented the Junior Springboks last year where they placed third overall at the Rugby World U20 Championship. This young player is a product of the renowned rugby school, Paarl Boys High and captained the first XV as little as two years ago. He has a bright future ahead with the Sharks.

Werner Kok is deadly when it comes to attack but also defends like his life depends on it.

He is a Sevens Rugby juggernaut with both physical strength and vision, he seems to be in all the right places at all the right times. He showcased his talent in his debut for the Blitzbokke in Twickenham in 2013 where they won the championship.

He was voted World Sevens player of the year as well as leading tackler in the tournament. He won a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics representing the South African Sevens once again.

The first of two Springbok wings is the feared Makazole Mapimpi.

A late bloomer to this sport on a professional level, he really has made an impact. At the age of 25, he started a stint with Border and had no idea how far his rugby would actually take him.

He is known by many to be best finisher and arguably one of the best wings in the world.

His life story is as interesting as his rugby career. Rooted in humble beginnings, he went to school in King Williams Town where he walked 20km there and back every day. He is also an activist against gender based violence and behind many food charity drives.

Mapimpi is regarded by Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus as most improved player, especially when it comes to defence and his work under the high ball.

Last but not least is Sbu Nkosi.

This Springbok weapon is blisteringly quick with a 100 metre record of 10.59 seconds making him one of the world’s quickest wings, and he has the fancy footwork to match. The soft spoken, good-looking youngster has gained social media popularity.

He started his rugby career with the U16 Pumas before going to Joburg to represent the U18 Lions in Craven Week. He now resides in Durban, playing for the Sharks as right wing. He is best at attacking the midfield, finding the gaps and is always on the ball. At the age of 25, he has a promising road ahead.

The Sharks is spoilt for choice when it comes to big forwards and an award winning back-line, however when it comes down to scrum halves and fly halves, well that’s an entirely different story.

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