Former Junior Springbok star tagged by Sharks as the next Siya Kolisi

Buthelezi, who played alongside Kolisi for Sharks in previous seasons, can play across the back-row and is vastly experienced for a 24-year-old with over 70 caps for the Durbanites with some of them as the captain of the side.

Plumtree values the former Springboks U20 star's work rate and sees shades of Kolisi when he is playing at number six. In the same breath, the coach acknowledged the value of his versatility in the loose trio.

"I think Phepsi could develop into a pretty good six, in the Siya Kolisi-type mould. He's pretty relentless around the park so he has a good work rate," he told reporters.

"His skill set around just poaching the ball and turning possession over he's going to have to improve on and get better at, but he's obviously a lineout option as well.

"Phepsi has had a good season and he's proven to me that he's pretty resilient with the amount of games that he has played. I'm not saying he's going to be a six, seven and eight, but I'd certainly like him to be able to play in both positions."

It has been a difficult season for the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship having only won three games from 14 despite having one of the most powerful squads in the competition. However, there is a lifeline for their season which they have thrown all their resources into; the Challenge Cup.

Throughout the season the second tier of European competition has offered a safe haven for the Sharks who have relished the break from league action. The Durban men find themselves in the semi-finals where they face Clermont.

The winner of that game will face Gloucester or Benetton and the Sharks have seen this as their ticket to not only silverware but Champions Cup qualification for next season.

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