Sharks have point to prove

Ken Borland

If anyone had ever said to Sbu Nkosi (above) more than a year ago that he would be a Springbok, the Sharks wing would probably have told them they were crazy.

But the 22-year-old is proof the Currie Cup can still change rugby players’ lives.

Although he played in the second half of the Sharks’ 2017 Super Rugby campaign, it was during last year’s Currie Cup that Nkosi really exploded on to the national scene. His eight tries helped them into the final, which he missed after dislocating his elbow in the semifinal against the Blue Bulls.

Nkosi’s performance saw the Barberton-born dynamo being spoken of as a Bok bolter and although he missed out on selection for the end-of-year tour, his meteoric rise to international rugby duly happened against England in June.

“The Currie Cup is still a very big stage and players should not take it for granted,” said Nkosi. “They must grab the bull by the horns. Last year, before I knew it, the whole country was talking about me and if you perform in the Currie Cup it means the Super Rugby coaches have to notice you.

“It’s a chance to take yourself to the next level.”

Sadly, Nkosi will be out of action for another four to six weeks with an ankle injury.

Having not won a trophy since claiming South Africa’s premier domestic title in 2013, there is increasing pressure on the Sharks to return some silverware to Kings Park.

Last year only added to the frustration as they hosted the Currie Cup final for the fourth time in the past 10 years, but lost 33-21 to Western Province.

“We have a point to prove,” said Nkosi. “But it was a great campaign last year and we’re going to try and get another home final. If we can take what we did last year and just add some more BMT in the playoffs, then we should be good contenders.

“In Chiliboy Ralepelle we have one of the good guys as captain. He’s one of the hardest-workers I’ve ever seen and I know the team will just respond to his energy and aura.”

The Currie Cup is still a very big stage and players should not take it for granted.

Sbu Nkosi