Sharks coach Sean Everitt says ‘live-wire’ scrumhalf Sanele Nohamba has brought the confidence from his Springbok Green performance back to the team this week. DYLAN JACK reports.

Nohamba was one of a number of youngsters who got their opportunity to impress the Springbok coaches in this past weekend’s Showdown.  The 21-year-old started for the Springbok Green team and was instrumental in their victory over the Gold side, playing a role in the movement that led to a penalty try, while also showing impressive composure behind the breakdown.

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Now back at the Sharks, Nohamaba will look to carry that form into his provincial side as Super Rugby Unlocked gets under way this weekend.

Speaking ahead of the team’s opening fixture against the Lions, Sharks coach Everitt expressed his delight with Nohamba’s performance last weekend.

‘Sanele was a shining light on Saturday afternoon. I was extremely happy for him,’ Everitt said. ‘I think the week he had down in Cape Town with the Springboks was really good for him but, most importantly, beneficial to us from a learning point of view.

‘I am sure Sanele has grown from that experience with Rassie, Jacques and the other Springbok staff. He has already brought some of that confidence with him back to training this week.’

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Everitt added that aside from Nohamba’s speed and service from the breakdown, he has also shown a leadership quality which belies his youth.

‘We know he is a live-wire scrumhalf. Not only is he quick around the field, he certainly understands the game of rugby. Funnily enough, even at his young and tender age, he brings leadership to the team as well. He knows his role and responsibilities and he is able to conduct the traffic around the back of the scrums, rucks and mauls.

‘We are really excited about the growth that he has shown over the past 12 months at senior level. We went into the Currie Cup last year wanting to grow the squad. We certainly have done that. Due to that, we have got these youngsters coming through like Sanele as well as Mpilo Gumede, Phepsi – who is starting at No 7 – and Thaakir Abrahams, who makes his debut this weekend.’

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