Springbok wing Makazole Mapimpi was rewarded for a number of sterling performances in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship for the Sharks by being named the competition’s Player of the Month for January.

The URC’s status as the perfect platform upon which South Africa’s best players can showcase their skills for an international audience is none more evident than in the scintillating performances of Mapimpi, who was on fire last month, scoring a hat-trick of tries against the Lions.

A panel of South African rugby media members singled out Mapimpi for not only his four tries in two matches in January, but also his general work rate and “anticipation and creativity on attack and his tenacity on defence – whether through his tackling or claiming the high ball”.

The media were unanimous in their praise of Mapimpi’s performances, which they agree makes him the pre-eminent wing in world rugby at present.

“Makazole Mapimpi has underlined his standing as one of the premier wings in world rugby.

“His ability to combine with Lukhanyo Am, in particular, gives the Sharks a different dynamic with ball in hand.

“It’s not hard to see why he is regarded as one the best finishers in world rugby at the moment.

“Mapimpi is at the top of his game. He’s world class and in a league of his own.”

The speedster follows in the footsteps of his fellow Springbok outside back Warrick Gelant, who won the award for October.

Photo: Willem Loock/BackpagePix