Banished to the realms of being South African Rugby’s forgotten stepchild, the prestigious Currie Cup competition remains a top-class stand-alone competition.
In a world of URCs, Champions and Challenge Cups, the Currie Cup has become somewhat of an afterthought in the wider public’s consciousness. Despite this, the tournament, which dates back to 1892, remains a breeding ground for the next generation of South African talent.
Playing with an unrestricted sense of freedom, the eight competing teams routinely put on incredible attacking spectacles.
Take this weekend’s round two action, for example. It started with back-to-back high-scoring draws, as the Cheetahs and Bulls were inseparable at 34 points a piece. A few hours later, the Pumas and Sharks had an equally intriguing ding-dong battle, as their match ended up at 44 – 44 all.
This second fixture leads us to the purpose of this article, which is to highlight the exceptionally exciting Pumas winger Phiko Sobahle, who torched his former team, the Sharks, for a quick-fire hat-trick.
Showing a clean pair of heels, Sobahle was nigh-on unstoppable throughout the match as he put on some dazzling footwork and displayed his exceptional rugby IQ.
Claiming his first score from a pinpoint crossfield kick, the winger snatched the ball from the air before immediately wrong footing the Sharks cover defence to race away.
His second would be an easier run in for him as he executed a routine trail run to support his fullback Stefan Coetzee who took on the Sharks defenders before getting a perfectly timed pass away.
Completing his scoring for the day, Sobahle put on a finishing clinic as he shifted the ball into one hand to diver over in the corner.
The Pumas draw with the Sharks could see them lose top spot in Pool B should the Lions defeat the Griquas in this afternoon’s match.
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