Sharks head coach John Plumtree believes Phepsi Buthelezi could develop into a Siya Kolisi-style flank for the Durban side.
Buthelezi, who played alongside Kolisi for Sharks in previous seasons, can play across the back-row and is vastly experienced for a 24-year-old with over 70 caps for the Durbanites with some of them as the captain of the side.
Complete back-row
Plumtree values the star’s work rate and sees shades of Kolisi when he is playing at number six. In the same breath, the coach acknowledged the value of his versatility in the loose trio.
“I believe Phepsi has the potential to grow into a strong six, similar to Siya Kolisi.” “He has a good work rate because he’s pretty relentless around the park,” he said to reporters.
“He’s going to need to work on and hone his skill set around simply stealing the ball and turning it over, but he’s also a clear lineout option.
“With the number of games he has played, Phepsi has shown me that he is fairly resilient and he has had a good season.” Though I’m not predicting that he will play six, seven, or eight, I would really like him to be able to play both positions.
Challenge Cup to the rescue
The United Rugby Championship Sharks, who have one of the strongest rosters in the league, have only won three of their fourteen games this season. They have focused all of their energies on the Challenge Cup, which is their season’s lifeline.
The Sharks have enjoyed the respite from league play provided by the second division of European competition this season. The men from Durban are in the semi-finals and will play Clermont.
The winner of that matchup will play Gloucester or Benetton, and the Sharks have their sights set on winning both trophies and qualifying for the Champions Cup the following year.
