Siya Kolisi's influence as Springbok captain has been so profound that it even changed Rassie Erasmus' perspective on the role - a shift the Bok coach openly acknowledged this week.
The Sharks head into this weekend's first of two consecutive United Rugby Championship clashes with the Lions in high spirits as they look to continue their fine form.
The Springboks will get the wheels in motion for the 2025 season when 56 domestic players meet for a three-day alignment camp in Cape Town next month.
With the completion of the Champions Cup pool stages, the Sharks' focus now shifts to the United Rugby Championship and week 10 action which resumes this weekend after a three-week break.
Top international referee Luke Pearce has singled out two of rugby's modern-day greats, Antoine Dupont and Siya Kolisi, for special praise.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi once again leads the Sharks this weekend when they play their final Champions Cup pool game against Bordeaux Begles at the Stade Chaban-Delmas in France.