Uncapped Sharks Scrumhalf Sanele Nohamba won a few new fans thanks to his performance in the Springbok showdown at Newlands on Saturday.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi was impressed with what he saw from the former Junior Bok in the number nine jersey for the Green team.
Nohamba impresses Kolisi
Nohamba may have been operating behind the dominant pack but he played his part, ensuring he kept communicating with the forwards.
“He was really good,” Springbok captain Siya Kolisi said.
“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.”
Kolisi regretted that Nohamba wasn’t given more of a platform to showcase his attacking skills which include a wicked step.
“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.”
Showcasing talent
The Springbok Showdown has given a whole lot of up and coming players and opportunity to sample the national team environment pleasing the coaching team.
“The reason for the game was to showcase the talent and also to build experience and share information between the senior players and the youngsters,” said Deon Davids, coach of Springbok Gold and a member of Jacques Nienaber’s coaching staff.
“The young players have been exposed to the Springbok environment and it was a wonderful week in our team – and it was from what I hear from team Green as well – with the senior players sharing their experience and offering guidance.
“It was also a fantastic opportunity to look at the players’ ability in training and see where they are in terms of preparation and what is needed. It is very early in the ‘season’ – this was only the second game – and we’ll get more answers from hereon in.
“We hope the players have learned some valuable lessons and will take those back in order to become better players.”
