Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett was impressed by the performance of Sharks centre S’bura Sithole against the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday night.

Sithole was named man-of-the-match following the Sharks’ 25-12 victory which took them back to the top of the Super Rugby standings.

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Sithole also set up the only try of the match when he won a brilliant turnover just outside the Lions 22m area. It allowed Lwazi Mvovo to put in a chip kick and score.

Speaking in the SuperSport studio after the game, Mallett said: “S’bura Sithole was equally impressive. He is a graduate of the sevens system. He defends well, attacks the space and not the man and gets up on his feet very quickly, which in this day and age is a vital component of rugby.”

Mallett also lauded the Sharks for showing patience to eventually grind out a win.

“The Sharks get a python-like grip on a game because they punt you back into your own half and force you to make mistakes. Coupled with an aggressive defence they put you under pressure and chip away at the scoreboard.

“Guys like Marcell Coetzee, who I thought was brilliant on the ground, make sure that you can’t make mistakes, even in your own half with the boot of Frans Steyn around.

“Steyn has the opportunity to make a big impact at flyhalf now because of the injuries to Lambie and now Zeilinga. He kicks well with both feet and is a special player,” said Mallett.

The Sharks’ next match is against the Cheetahs in Durban on Saturday (15:00 kick-off).