S’bu Nkosi (Gallo Images)

• As the Shark contemplate a particularly untimely loss to the Lions, they at least know that their Bok winger, S’bu Nkosi, is hitting form.
• The 24-year-old was a standout performer at Ellis Park and looks hungry to take the lead in his team’s push for a Currie Cup title.
• Coach Sean Everitt is also enjoying the competitiveness of the tournament.

There wasn’t exactly a lot of positives for the Sharks to take out of their loss to the Lions at Ellis Park this weekend, but as they head into a crucial final stretch before the Currie Cup playoffs, they at least have a firing Springbok winger.

S’bu Nkosi was a glittering exception on a night where the Durbanites’ backline lacked cohesion and confidence.

He made some outstanding reads on defence and was a real threat on attack, notably in plucking a fine kick-off from Curwin Bosch and going on a run that should’ve been rounded off better by his team-mates.

Following a stop-start complexion to his season since local rugby’s resumption, the 24-year-old flyer looks hungry to take a lead in the Sharks’ push for the title.

“S’bu really did put his hand up,” said Sean Everitt, the Sharks’ head coach.

“I thought he was outstanding throughout. When he got the ball, he was always a threat. He’s also superb in winning contestable kicks and that makes him even more of a threat.”

Yet, despite the nature of the Sharks’ performance in general and how Nkosi stood out, Everitt also takes heart from a few other senior players who delivered decent showings.

“I don’t think there was any lack of effort from the team, they worked hard and tried really hard. It’s just that we weren’t up to scratch as a team, so we’ll have to review things,” he said.

“Henco Venter played well at No 7 and (lock) Aston Fortuin hasn’t played rugby since February and did well while (flanker) Dylan Richardson was his usual self. We have some players taking the lead, it’s just now about gelling as a whole.”

While the Sharks missed out on a golden opportunity to close the gap on log leaders the Bulls, who had their match against Griquas cancelled due to Covid protocols, the Lions’ win has seen them leapfrog ahead of the Durbanites and setting up a thrilling race to the semifinals.

“It’s been a disruptive season and all the teams have had their challenges along the way, but the Currie Cup is one of the top domestic competitions in the world,” said Everitt.

“I’m glad that it’s closely contested. Teams really have to be on top of their game every week. It’s a good learning curve and if the players want to play international rugby, consistency is what’s expected of them.”