To-do list for Sharks' backline
REACTION: Sharks wing Thaakir Abrahams produced a stunning individual effort with a wow factor reminiscent of fellow countryman and Springboks star Cheslin Kolbe in the Sharks’ 34-54 defeat to Leinster.
Abrahams produced two tries for the Sharks at the RDS, but it was his second effort that highlighted just how talented the shifty winger is.
The Sharks No 11 looked to have been tackled around halfway but he managed to stay up on his feet and burst through a would-be-forming ruck.
After breaking through Leinster’s line the quick-thinking 22-year-old put through a grubber kick in behind and entered a foot race with Ireland centre Garry Ringrose.
Despite conceding a head start, Abrahams turned on the jets to round Ringrose and masterfully get a hand to the wobbly ball at the back of the in goal just before the ball went dead.
Brilliant try by Thaakir Abrahams,Sharks not going away folks!!
— Breyton Paulse (@BreytonPaulse) October 8, 2022
Thaakir Abrahams continuing the trend of any South African wing wearing a scrumcap being able to step his way through a minefield. What a player! ⚡️
— Brandon Portnoy (@BrandonPortnoy) October 1, 2022
WOW!! A moment of sheer brilliance from Thaakir Abrahams gets the Sharks’ 4th try.
He did well to take pressure high-ball, scampered past the crowded area of defence, then kicked ahead & beat Garry Ringrose to the touchdown. What skill, feet, speed & great decision-making! 27-28— Ken Borland (@KenBorland) October 8, 2022
However, despite the obvious brilliance in attack questions were raised over defensive frailties across the Sharks backline which led to 50 points being hung on them in Dublin.
Former Springbok wing Brayton Paulse said if Abrahams is to make the leap to the next level he will need to improve on the defensive side, while also pointing out some improvements for fullback Aphelele Fassi’s game.
“The advice here is which coach is going to put his arm around Thaakir and say ‘son, you need to make those tackles’,” Paulse told the SuperSport post-match panel
“A guy like Cheslin Kolbe, similar size and kind of frame, he makes the tackles and 50-50 high balls as well.
“A coach comes in and makes sure he talks to those kinds of players, to Fassi, he’s got to work on his kicks.
“You can’t afford at this level of the game to have two sliced kicks back-to-back. Those little things are so important.
“That’s the harsh reality if you want to become a good, good player.”
Former Springboks head coach Nick Mallett also shared Paulse’s view and compared Abrahams size to that of two current Springbok wingers, Kolbe and the recently capped Kurt-Lee Arendse.
“There’s no question about it he’s so good on attack, so good going forward, he’s got such good balance when he runs.
“But then a glaring missed tackle, a bounce off the shoulder, if he just put his shoulder down and head into the hip of that guy, and really driven him back there would have been a massive tick from Jacques Nienaber.
“Thaakir Abrahams is so good going forward but it’s not about size, because Cheslin Kolbe can tackle and does tackle, Kurt-Lee Arendse tackles brilliantly.
“It’s a matter of commitment and courage.”
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