New recruit Sikhumbuzo Notshe has been the standout forward in a new-look Sharks pack over the first seven rounds of the Vodacom Super Rugby tournament, writes CRAIG LEWIS.
Before the start of this Super Rugby season, Sikhumbuzo Notshe made the interesting move from the Stormers to coastal rivals the Sharks.
Having earned six Test caps in 2018, Notshe was always seen as a player with immense talent, but for some reason, it was clear he hadn’t reached his full potential.
Perhaps with this in mind, he opted for a change of scenery and quickly took to life at the Sharks … like a fish to water (Ed’s note: OK, we know it’s lame).
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After seven rounds of the competition, Notshe racked up 259 run metres, 64 carries, beat 22 defenders, executed eight clean breaks, won four lineouts and completed 50 out of 52 tackles. In addition, the 26-year-old created two stunning tries with searing individual runs and banked one of his own.
Notshe has been one of the real standout Sharks forwards, but a couple of other new recruits such as James Venter and Ox Nche have also enjoyed impressive starts to the season.
The Sharks have boasted a youthful and mobile pack, and it’s Notshe’s athleticism and ability to link between forwards and backs that has brought him firmly back into the Springbok picture.
