Sharks coach hails Mapimpi as best 11 in the world

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Sharks head coach Sean Everitt maintains Makazole Mapimpi could be deemed as the best left wing in rugby after opening his Vodacom United Rugby Championship account with a hat-trick against the Lions in Johannesburg.

The 31-year-old Mapimpi scored three tries to help the Sharks claim a 47-37 victory in an end-to-end match at Ellis Park this past Saturday.

It was Mapimpi’s first start for the Sharks in the URC and he could have claimed a fourth try at the death, but his excellent work helped Sharks captain Lukhanyo Am get on the scoresheet.

Post-match, Everitt was delighted with the Springbok wing’s return to the team.

“Those guys are the best in the world in their positions and when you  look at Mapimpi, you’ve got to think he’s the best left wing in the world,” Everitt said.

“We talk about Cheslin Kolbe, but every time Mapimpi plays, he gets over the chalk, regardless of the level he plays at.

“Lukhanyo Am has been superb and is probably the best 13 in the world and it’s great they can perform like that for their franchise.

“It shows that they’re proud of their franchise and they want to pay back because at times, you get players who perform at a higher level, but don’t do so for their franchise.”

The Sharks take on the Stormers in their first home URC match at Kings Park on Saturday evening.

Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images

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