Makazole Mapimpi hails patience after late double caps 100th Sharks appearance

The Springbok winger had gone without a try for most of the match as the hosts dominated, but struck twice in the final minutes to cap his milestone in emphatic fashion.

Mapimpi first reacted quickest to a loose ball, kicking ahead and winning the race to score, before adding a second moments later with a standout solo effort. He gathered the restart and beat multiple defenders on a 65-metre run to the line to round off the scoring and spark celebrations at Kings Park.

"Playing rugby for the longest time, it's just taught me to have patience," Mapimpi said after the match. "Those were the only opportunities that I had in the game, so it was good for me to capitalise.

"I'd like to thank the fans for coming out to support us and my teammates for fighting for my 100th cap. It was really special for me.

"I don't have the words to describe what it meant to me. One hundred games has meant 100 opportunities to do what I love."

The result maintained the Sharks' strong push in the URC, with Mapimpi's late contribution adding further gloss to a dominant team display.

Now 35, Mapimpi has enjoyed a remarkable rise in the game. Born in Tsholomnga in the Eastern Cape, he only made his professional debut at the age of 23 before progressing through spells with the Border Bulldogs, Southern Kings and Cheetahs.

He earned his first Springbok cap in 2018 against Wales and played a key role in South Africa's Rugby World Cup triumph in 2019, scoring in the final against England. He was also part of the squads that defeated the British & Irish Lions in 2021 and retained the World Cup in 2023.

Mapimpi has since won 47 Test caps and scored 33 tries, placing him among South Africa's leading try-scorers.

Reflecting on his journey, he added: "It's very important to find yourself - who you are and what you want in life. Don't worry about what people are saying outside. There are always distractions.

"Find what you want, believe in what you have and try to learn as much as you can."

Mapimpi and the Sharks next face Cardiff as they continue their bid for a play-off place.