Dyantyi's 'special ability' to give Sharks an extra edge
SPOTLIGHT: Attack coach Dave Williams is itching to see Aphiwe Dyantyi in action as the Sharks embark on a four-week United Rugby Championship tour.
Dyantyi was included in a 28-man squad for matches against Munster, Leinster, Ospreys and Zebre.
The 29-year-old Springbok wing joined the Sharks in June and he is set for his reintroduction to the game after completing a four-year ban for the use of banned substances.
“I’m loving Aphiwe’s journey and story – where he was and what he has been through in his life and what he is going to show us now in the next couple of weeks on the tour,” said Williams.
It might have been a long time since anyone has seen Dyantyi in action, but Williams knows that the flyer is still capable of producing fireworks on the pitch.
“He is coming back from a little strain [injury], but prior to that there was a massive amount of energy [in training],” Williams explained.
“Going back to when he used to be with the Lions, he has just got that special ability to create something out of nothing and the energy that he brings to the team is very special.
“After suffering a little tweak, he is now firing, so I am looking forward to seeing what he can bring to the tour.”
Meanwhile, the captain for the tour, Francois Venter, said his team is trying to build something special under head coach John Plumtree.
“Firstly, it’s to get a higher purpose in the team. That was one of biggest focus points and then just the connection,” said Venter.
“I think we are building something new and we are working on a new Sharks way.
“We want to change the behaviour on the field and off the field so that is going to be our main focus.
“John [Plumtree] has made a massive impact on everyone and he demands respect without him even knowing it.
“It’s good to play for somebody you believe in and it is just a great environment.”
The Sharks confirmed that Springbok wing Makazole Mapimpi has had surgery on his fractured cheekbone and he is currently recuperating.
Mapimpi suffered the injury in the Springbok’s World Cup pool match against Tonga earlier this month, which ruled him out of the tournament.
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