Aphiwe Dyantyi back in action, sets his sights on return to Bok squad

Outside of Saturday’s Rugby World Cup final between South Africa and New Zealand, Springbok winger Aphiwe Dyantyi’s comeback to rugby is also the talk of the town.

There’s huge anticipation around Dyantyi returning to the field of play because of the maverick talent he was before he was handed a four-year ban for testing positive for three S1 category steroidal substances (methandienone, methyltestosterone, and LGD-4033).

The ban came at a time when he had the world at his feet; 2019 was going to be a year he went to another level in his career, but it all came crashing down. It sure has been a long and tough journey for Dyantyi — he’s had to stay strong mentally and physically to reach this point.

Sharks

As his ban was nearing an end, he was not short of any suitors, as a number of teams, including the Bulls, sought his signature, but he ultimately opted to join the the Sharks.

He’s now in line to make his debut for the Durban franchise when they take on Irish province Leinster in the United Rugby Championship this Saturday.

There’s an air of excitement about his return: will he hit the ground running or will he be exposed condition-wise after being out of the game for so long?

Patience from his side, as well as from the team, will be needed during the formative stages of his return. But, one thing is for sure, with his talent, his star will rise again.

Bok aspirations

Dyantyi’s return to rugby was welcomed by SA Rugby’s director of rugby, Rassie Erasmus, who said the door to the Boks is not closed for the player.

Can Dyantyi, who has 13 Test caps, get himself back into the Springboks setup?

He definitely can if he is able to perform at a consistently high level and produces excellence in his performances. However, the reality is he’s down the pecking order right now.

The Boks have four main wingers in Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Canan Moodie and Makazole Mapimpi, plus a whole host of talent knocking on the door.

Getting back into the Boks set-up will be Dyantyi’s ultimate goal, but I’m sure for now he’ll bask in the moment of just getting the chance to play again and thrill spectators.