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Cape Town - Sharks director of rugby Gary Gold has heaped praise on Marcell Coetzee, who captained the Sharks in their 31-17 win over French club Toulouse on Thursday night.
The Springbok flank was in sublime form as the Sharks scored three tries in a dominant display at the Stade Ernest-Wallon.
It finished a successful pre-season tour for the Sharks, who also beat Toulon 29-21 last Friday.
“He stepped up and captained the side in the absence of Pat (Lambie) and Beast (Mtawarira) - who were captain and vice-captain last week. It’s good that we have strength in depth from a leadership point of view,” Gold told East Coast Radio.
Coetzee’s stellar performance came on the same day it was confirmed that he will join Irish club Ulster at the conclusion of this year’s Super Rugby competition.
“Marcell has made a significant contribution in recent seasons but we understand the appeal of the huge salaries on offer in Europe. He will be missed, and yet his departure will create new opportunities for the group of outstanding loose forwards emerging in our squad,” Gold said earlier in the day.
The 24-year-old Coetzee has played 28 Tests for the Springboks since making his debut in 2012.
