The newest Sharks acquisition says he will report for duty with the Durbanites having benefited from being part of a back-to-back title-chasing campaign in 2023, reports DEVIN HERMANUS.
The dynamic Diego Appollis is relishing the opportunity to play in his first Currie Cup final on Saturday, before he makes the move to the Shark Tank in July.
Appollis will join up with the Sharks after making a big impression at the Pumas this season, and is set to play a key role at outside centre for the defending Currie Cup champions against the Free State Cheetahs in the decider in Bloemfontein.
The Paarl-born 22-year-old, who previously represented the Vodacom Bulls, scored six tries in the build-up to the semi-finals, and featured prominently in an opening round demolition of his former team at Loftus Versfeld.
Speaking as the Pumas stand on the brink of glory once again, he told SA Rugby magazine: “I didn’t get much game time with the Bulls and I needed somewhere to play, and the Pumas were the ones to give me a chance and I’m very grateful for that.
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“With the help of the other players around me it gave me the confidence to find my feet again, but I’m still striving to be better.
“Everyone wants to get over the tryline but for me, it’s just about trying to help where I can and get the basics right. I have to stay calm and keep chasing that one percent extra.
“This is actually my first final I’m going to play, and I’m very grateful for the guys around me; good leaders who have helped me throughout the season.
“Also, Coach Jimmy, he has supported me and tried to get the best out of me, and challenges me to keep going. He listened when I told him I needed some game time to get my confidence back up, and just play the game that I love.
“Hopefully on Saturday, we can all bring the cup back.”
Appollis took over the No 13 jersey from one of last season’s stars, Sebastian de Klerk, but has formed a solid partnership with inside centre Ali Mgijima, and they will face a similarly in-form pairing of Cheetahs’ Reinhardt Fortuin and David Brits on Saturday.
“They are two really good centres and seem to understand one another quite well. Ali and I will just have to stay motivated and focused,” he added.
He faces formidable opposition for game time at the Sharks next season, yet the youngster can’t wait to hone his craft alongside World Cup winners: “It’s going to be huge for me, those guys are all Springboks with lots of experience… Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi, I can learn a lot from them.”
Welcome to the team Diego Appollis, our backline just got stronger with this powerhouse centre joining the squad ?#FearTheFin #BackOnTheDottedLine pic.twitter.com/PIJpcIJkfk
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) May 16, 2023
Photo: Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images
