Cape Town - Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett has lauded Sharks hooker Bismarck du Plessis after the player impressed upon his return from suspension.
Du Plessis produced a man-of-the-match performance as his side beat the Stormers 34-12 at Kings Park on Saturday night.
Du Plessis will depart the Sharks later this year, with his likely destination Montpellier in France.
He bounced back after earlier in the season being banned for kicking the Chiefs’ Michael Leitch in the face.
Upon his return, Du Plessis gave up the Sharks captaincy - a decision which appeared to aid the Springbok hooker.
Speaking in the SuperSport studio after the game, Mallett said:
“Since Bismarck has come back from suspension, his performances have been absolutely outstanding. He was consistently one of the best Sharks players on their overseas tour and he has finished his Sharks career with dignity.
“He gave his all today, and I think he can be very proud of what he has done. He has regained his position as South Africa's premier hooker ahead of Adriaan Strauss, whose game has suffered because the Bulls haven't performed.”