The Sharks welcomed Springbok World Cup-winning winger Makazole Mapimpi this week ahead of their titanic clash with the Stormers at Kings Park on Saturday (13:00 kick-off).
While it's unclear whether Mapimpi will be fit to feature in head coach Sean Everitt's match-day 23, the Sharks excitedly posted a montage video of the No 11's tries in black.
@Makazole16 is back at the Tank??#OurSharksForever pic.twitter.com/fBmG5gyhZw
— The Sharks (@TheSharksZA) May 18, 2021
Mapimpi's stint at NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes in Japan, where he's been on loan since last year, ended at the beginning of the month, with the East London-born flyer arriving back in South Africa last week.
He has not featured for the Sharks since, ironically, they met the Stormers in the last Super Rugby game in March last year at Kings Park before Covid struck, which the Sharks won 24-14 thanks to Mapimpi's 79th-minute try.
The Sharks, who were mauled 43-9 by the Bulls at Loftus in the Rainbow Cup SA last weekend, are looking to bounce back from the crushing defeat, where they were "manhandled" in confrontational areas and appeared impotent out wide.
Mapimpi's return is also a timely boost for the Springbok selectors ahead of the imminent British and Irish Lions tour squad announcement.
#OurSharks speedster is back in action!????#OurSharksForever pic.twitter.com/T1cRKFyy99
— The Sharks (@TheSharksZA) May 18, 2021