Beast Mtawarira is ‘playing the best rugby of his life’

In 2007, the Sprinboks had Os (Ox) du Randt leading the charge in the scrums and collisions at the World Cup in France.

The way things are going in 2018, the national team will have the “Beast” in Tendai Mtawarira doing the same in next year’s showpiece in Japan.

Indeed, the 32-year-old loosehead prop has been outstanding in Super Rugby.

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“The thing that stood out for me from our tour to Australasia has been how the Springboks stepped up and performed. Beast was first and foremost in that regard,” said Sharks coach Robert du Preez ahead of his side’s derby against the Bulls at King’s Park on Saturday.

“He’s been immense. He’s been fantastic. In fact, I think Beast is playing the best rugby of his life.”

Mtawarira had been criticised for the past two years of lacking all-round presence despite remaining one of South Africa’s most accomplished scrummers.

But those complaints aren’t valid in this campaign.

Mtawarira is the bruising ball-carrier of old and continues to contribute with his tight and accurate defence.

It all bodes well for new Bok coach Rassie Erasmus, who’s relying on him to be one of the senior members in his pack.

Another man experiencing a renaissance of sorts is Chiliboy Ralepelle.

Awkward questions were asked last season after the 31-year-old hooker continued to be included in Allister Coetzee’s national squad but seemingly didn’t feature in Du Preez’s Sharks plan.

Now, he’s started in three consecutive matches for the Durbanites in a position where Du Preez likes to rotate.

“Our leaders have stood up. Chiliboy has had a massive impact on our tight five,” said the Sharks coach.

“He’s contributed greatly.”

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