Father Time leaves darling of SA rugby Mapimpi accepting World Cup fate: 'I don't think so'

Springbok speedster Makazole Mapimpi was left out of the national team that will compete at the World Cup next year, with the selectors opting for experience at the back

The decision means Mapimpi will almost certainly retire from international rugby after the 2023 season without ever having played at a World Cup

A Springbok career decorated with tries at the highest level has, seemingly, come to a premature end.

Makazole Mapimpi does not mince his words when he discusses his omission from the squad that will go to France next year to defend South Africa’s Rugby World Cup title.

His international career is dead. Kaput.

But for Mapimpi, this isn’t a retirement. It’s a rebirth.

“I’m not looking at it as a sad story. It’s an opportunity to find a new beginning,” Mapimpi told The Citizen on Thursday.

The 32-year-old, who has scored 28 tries in 35 Tests, made his Test debut in 2018 at the age of 27 after years of toiling in the Currie Cup First Division.

He quickly established himself as one of the most dangerous wingers in the world, using his blistering pace and phenomenal finishing skills to devastating effect.

At Test level alone, Mapimpi has scored tries against New Zealand (four), England (three), Wales, Ireland, Scotland, France and Australia.

But despite his prolific try-scoring record, Mapimpi has never been to a World Cup.

He was not selected for the 2019 tournament in Japan, and he has been left out of the squad for next year’s showpiece in France.

The selectors have opted for experience at the back, with Willie le Roux, Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse all included in the squad.

Mapimpi said he was “disappointed” to be left out of the World Cup squad, but he understands the selectors’ decision.

“I’m not going to lie, I was disappointed. I’ve worked hard for years to get to this point, and I feel like I’m playing the best rugby of my career,” Mapimpi said.

“But I understand that the selectors have made a decision based on what they believe is best for the team.

“I respect their decision, and I will continue to support the team in any way that I can.”

Mapimpi said he is now focused on playing well for the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship and the Currie Cup.

He also said he is open to playing for South Africa again in the future, but only if he is selected on merit.

“I’m not going to give up on my dream of playing at a World Cup,” Mapimpi said.

“I’m going to keep working hard, and I’m going to keep scoring tries.

“If the selectors decide to pick me again, I’ll be ready.”

Mapimpi’s omission from the World Cup squad is a reminder that even the best players in the world can be left behind by Father Time.

But for Mapimpi, this is not the end of the story.

It is the beginning of a new chapter in his career.

A chapter that could be just as successful as the one that came before it.