Sanele Nohamba (Ashley Vlotman/Gallo)

• Sharks scrumhalf Sanele Nohamba was one of the standout performers in Saturday’s Springbok showdown.
• The 21-year-old is set to wear the No 9 jersey at Kings Park for the upcoming Super Rugby Unlocked/Currie Cup season
• Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has heaped praise on Nohamba after Saturday.

Saturday’s Springbok showdown – Team Green beat Team Gold 25-9 – was not always the easiest match to watch. 

There were errors throughout, in handling and in set piece execution, and it all contributed to a contest that failed to find any real gusto. 

Rugby is certainly better than no rugby, though, and the more intricate storylines unfolding as 50 would-be 2020 Springboks slugged it out at Newlands was more than intriguing enough to hold the attention. 

On a day where very few would significantly enhance their reputations, Sharks scrumhalf Sanele Nohamba was one of those players who did. 

He was energetic throughout, cleaning up the breakdowns with speed and intent that was almost frantic at times. That youthful spring might have been expected, but perhaps more pleasing was the accuracy and execution of his kicking. 

With Elton Jantjies as his flyhalf, Nohamba showed a maturity to accompany his ability. 

The 21-year-old still has a long way to go and will likely not be rushed into anything major, even if the Rugby Championship does start on 7 November, but early indications are that he is impressing the right people. 

“He was really good,” Springbok captain Siya Kolisi said after leading the Bok Green team to victory.

“He’s got lots of energy and one thing I like about him is that he’s not scared to chat and take control. I said to him before we went on: ‘I don’t want to hear you go quiet now when it matters the most’.

“It was good to see him take control with guys like Elton helping him out.”

Nohamba’s form in Super Rugby this year had been superb before the tournament was suspended in March, with 2020 his breakthrough season as he shared the scrumhalf duties in Durban with Louis Schreuder, who has since left the franchise. 

“He was confident, he enjoyed himself … he let the ball go quickly,” Kolisi added

“It would have been nice to see what would have happened if we got to the 22 more often, because I think he gives the ball nicely to the forwards and quickly off the breakdown

“I’m sure we’ll see more of him in the Currie Cup where he’ll be one of the leaders in the Sharks. I’m looking forward to seeing him and all the younger guys.”

In the first round of ‘Super Rugby Unlocked’, which kicks off next weekend, the Sharks host the Lions in Durban on Friday, 9 October.