England give high praise to durable Beast, who is at the height of his powers

THIS WEEKEND, it is likely that one of the biggest servants to the game of rugby in South Africa will be capped for his 100th Test. Beast Mtawarira, the 32-year-old Zimbabwean-born prop sits on 99 Test caps and is playing some of the best rugby of his life.

He has been instrumental at the Sharks, with the coach, Robert du Preez also lavishing him with high praise in this late career revival, and now, in the green and gold, nothing has changed. England are also praising Mtawarira. England scrum coach, Neal Hatley commented on Beast’s durability as a prop, reaching such a milestone, and being a one-club man.

“He has been phenomenal for South Africa, and for the Sharks. He has been in Durban since he arrived in the country from Zimbabwe, he is a one club man, he has done an unbelievable job,” Hatley explained from England’s base in Beast’s hometown of Durban.

“Over 100 caps, 100 Test matches coming up, in an attritional position, like the one he plays, is testament to his durability - hopefully we will be able to disappoint him on such an amazing occasion for him!” Hatley quipped.

England’s own loosehead, Mako Vunipola, reached the 50-Test mark in Johannesburg last weekend, and Hatley drew comparisons to the welling of pride that their player felt at reaching just half of Beast’s milestone.

“I think it is an outstanding occasion. We had Mako [Vunipola] winning his 50th, and we know how special that is for a player, you can see how much that meant to Mako, so 100 caps is something that really needs to be applauded.”