Mapimpi the best wing in the world? Top coach thinks so!

Mapimpi scored three tries as the Sharks claimed a 47-37 win over the Lions in a thrilling United Rugby Championship clash at Ellis Park on Saturday.

UPDATE: SHOULDER SURGERY FOR BOK FLYHALF

It was a stunning start to the year for the veteran wing who continues to excel almost every time he takes to the field.

In Test rugby, Mapimpi has how recorded a remarkable 20 tries in 25 Tests, having reached that figurer faster than legendary wing Bryan Habana (who reached that total of 20 tries in 27 Tests).

Coming into last year’s Springbok Test against Scotland at Murrayfield, the speedster had scored a try against every Test team he played against – except the Scots, but he quickly set that record straight with a brace of tries.

In the final Test of the year for the Boks, Mapimpi continued his sensational try-scoring form as he finished off a well-worked try, albeit in a losing cause as England ultimately snatched victory at the death.

Mapimpi impresses for club and country

Now, in what was Mapimpi’s first start for the Sharks in the URC, he recorded a superb hat-trick and received plenty of plaudits from Everitt.

“Those guys are the best in the world in their positions and when you  look at Mapimpi, you’ve got to think he’s the best left wing in the world,” Everitt said.

“We talk about Cheslin Kolbe, but every time Mapimpi plays, he gets over the chalk, regardless of the level he plays at.

“Lukhanyo Am has been superb and is probably the best 13 in the world and it’s great they can perform like that for their franchise.

“It shows that they’re proud of their franchise and they want to pay back because at times, you get players who perform at a higher level, but don’t do so for their franchise.”

The Sharks take on the Stormers in their first home URC match at Kings Park on Saturday evening.

READ | BULLS ‘BANTER’ VIDEO BACKFIRES AFTER FIRING UP STORMERS