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Dyantyi is a real gem - Mallett

Cape Town - Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett was impressed by the performance of Lions wing Aphiwe Dyantyi against the Jaguares at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Dyantyi scored a brace of tries as the Lions ran out comfortable 47-27 victors.

It was also the 23-year-old’s second man-of-the-match accolade in as many weeks, having made an impressive debut against the Sharks in Round 1.

Speaking in the SuperSport studio after the game, Mallett said: “I thought that the young man Dyantyi really came to the fore in the second half. He scored and created a brilliant try, scored a great try, took a great kick out of the air. It is the arrival of a very talented young player. He made very few mistakes. A couple of little passes went astray. But his acceleration and the timing of his pass at that last try was outstanding. The pace that he showed to run onto the pass and run 70m to score... he made three Jaguares trip up and sidestepped the fullback.”

Dyantyi got his chance in the Lions starting team due to an injury to Courtnall Skosan and Mallett feels it will be tough to now drop the player.

“I was so excited every time Dyantyi got the ball. I just felt like everyone was running at three quarter pace and then suddenly he would get the ball and bang... speed the game up. He has a lovely, confident way about him. He looks for work, defends well and always gives 100%.

“He put in some tackles last week (against the Sharks) and took a high ball this week (against the Jaguares) which was really outstanding. A lot of the time guys going forward are very good, but without the ball you worry about their defensive frailty or how good they are under the high ball.

“Dyantyi is a real gem and I quite frankly, think it’s going to be tough to drop him. Well done to this youngster, it is (a) pleasure to watch him in Super Rugby. We are broadening our strength in depth in that position in South Africa.”

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