Maxwane storming into view of Bok selectors

SPOTLIGHT: We know him as Rabz Maxwana – the Lions player who just became the leading try scorer in the United Rugby Championship.

His real name is Sibahle Ndiphiwe Maxwane, he hails from Queenstown and he was schooled at Dale College.

The 29-year-old wing has been nothing short of spectacular through his team’s opening two rounds, scoring four tries, while wreaking havoc on the opposing defensive systems.

The speedster has represented almost all the teams in South Africa but it is at the Lions where he found his home and took his game to the next level.

Unfortunately, as a wing his competition at national level is tough – by now every rugby fan out there is aware of the plethora of top-notch wings wearing the Green and Gold racking up tries for the Springboks.

But the 29-year-old Maxwane has been quietly going about his business, thriving in a fast-paced Lions squad, beginning with a brilliant support-line try in Round One. He followed that up with a hat trick against Edinburgh in Round Two.

Maxwane’s impressive stats extend beyond scoring; he is the leading player with clean breaks (8) and fifth on the list of metres gained (195).

As the Lions prepare for a challenging match in vastly different conditions against the Dragons in Newport, Wales this weekend, Maxwane’s continued excellence could earn him a surprise call-up for the Springboks in November.

Rabz Maxwane with the first hat-trick of the season 🔥@Vodacom #URC pic.twitter.com/2WzJ7EmxoR

— Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) October 7, 2024

His talent became evident at a young age, and he earned his first provincial honors when he was selected for Border in the 2013 Under-18 Academy Week.

His performances caught the attention of the rugby community, leading him to join Western Province in 2014.

He continued to develop his skills and made appearances for Western Province in various competitions, including the Under-21s.

Maxwane has always showcased his speed and try-scoring ability, leaving a mark on the field with notable performances

In 2016 he was named in the wider training squad for the Blitzboks as they prepared for the 2016 Summer Olympics. This exposure to sevens further enhanced his skill set and game understanding.

He made his Currie Cup debut for Western Province in 2016 and, following his promising performances, joined the Blue Bulls for the 2017 season and was included in their Super Rugby squad.

However, Maxwane found his true home with the Cheetahs, where his blistering speed and try-scoring ability flourished.

In the 2018/19 PRO14 season, he emerged as the competition’s top try-scorer, crossing the try line 14 times. This outstanding achievement earned him a place in the Pro14 dream team, becoming the sole representative from the South African franchises playing in the PRO14.

Maxwane’s impressive form continued, and he was recognized as the Cheetahs’ Pro14 Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year in 2019.

His performances caught the attention of the Lions, who secured his services in July 2020, adding his exceptional speed and finishing ability to their squad.

The Lions take on the Dragons at Rodney Parade on Sunday.