7.45PM Premiership run-in can be Faf’s pass to Boks line-up

SALE’S ‘golden unicorn’ Faf de Klerk faces Bath tonight ready to tear up the Premiership on his pathaway to a summer he will never forget.

Incredibly, world champions South Africa have not played since winning the Webb Ellis Cup 18 months ago.

They have just confirmed two Tests against Georgia at the start of July as a warm-up for the blockbuster Lions series later that month.

For De Klerk, the resumption of international rugby is a mouth-watering added incentive to make his mark on the season’s run-in.

He said: “There’s a lot to play for this next few weeks. You need to play good rugby for your club or there’s no way you will be picked.

“It has been frustrating but I’ve been fortunate still to be playing for Sale. With not being able to go anywhere, the focus has been on enjoying ourselves at the club.

“A lot of people couldn’t go to work but we were privileged to have that bit of freedom and it kept us sane.

“It’s mega the Springboks are back and I’m very happy the games are in South Africa. I’ve been away for more than a year and I miss it.”

The passport home will come with the bonus of a once-in-a-career event.

“When I was younger I didn’t really understand the magnitude of the Lions and what it means but massive,” said De Klerk.

“I’m very lucky to be in the mix when it’s happening. It’s one of the biggest challenges we will face in our careers. ”

The ticking time bomb of a scrum-half will be pivotal to the series – as he is for

Sale.

Sharks director of rugby Alex Sanderson said:

“He’s a rare breed. I can liken him to a golden unicorn – set him free and he’ll do it’s magical things. I’m constantly amazed by the man.

“You see the bounce, the hair, the life, but he’s also very reflective. He’s a very mature leader for us here.”

Sale are well placed in third to reach the play-offs for the first time in 15 years, having missed out last season when they had to forfeit their final game of the season because of a Covid outbreak.

De Klerk said: “That is something that still hurts a bit but we really need to move on from that and look ahead. “Things are going really well for us and hopefully we can get there this time.”