Chamberlain's stock continues to rise

SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks have been growing depth in key positions over the last year and the No.10 position has become one of the most promising in that regard.

Flyhalf Henry Chamberlain has thrust himself into the spotlight.

The 22-year-old has started in the No.10 jersey in all of the Sharks' United Rugby Championship matches this season.

Sharks coach Sean Everitt wants to give the youngster as much exposure as possible on the big stage and that has seen Curwin Bosch play fullback on several occasions.

The Sharks also have Argentina flyhalf Joaquin Diaz Bonilla on their books for some added experience.

Speaking after his team's 30-16 victory over the Bulls at the weekend, Everitt gave Chamberlain a big stamp of approval.

"We wanted to continue with the growth of Boeta [Henry Chamberlain] at No.10 so that we can add depth in that position," said Everitt.

"We haven’t been that fortunate over the last 21 months, to be able to do that and Boeta has come through with flying colours.

"He is really good under the high ball.

"Our No.10s cover the backfield, so it's an important part of the game for us."

Everitt added: "We have got Tito [Joaquin Diaz Bonilla], who only returned to South Africa last Monday.

"It's great to have him here and the more time he gets on the training field the better he is going to get because he is an international rugby player and a very good one at that."

Before this past Friday's win against the Bulls, the Sharks were being talked up in the media by the Pretoria side's Director of Rugby Jake White because of the number of internationals the Durban side had in their squad.

Everitt admitted it wasn't surprising hearing those comments that from White.

"We all know Jake and he likes to fire up the opposition.

"I coached with Jake and nothing is different to now.

"But in saying that, I think it was to take the pressure off them.

"At the end of the day, they got seven Springboks and experienced ones that were on the field.

"Then you add a young guy like Grobbies [hooker Johan Grobbelaar] that came on for them for a little while in the first half and then in the latter part of the second half. He has been on tour with the Springboks.

"The majority of their XV have been part of the Boks as well. I think it was level pegging as far as that is concerned.

"We knew what we had to do to beat the Bulls at Kings Park and we certainly did that and credit to the players and the coaching staff."

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