Five players who've made a storming start to the Currie Cup campaign

Down but never out, the much-maligned Currie Cup continues to be a platform for up-and-coming youngsters to showcase their potential and likely ability to handle bigger future challenges with aplomb, while also assisting more experienced yet forgotten players to remind all of their worth.

The distinctly stretched-out first four rounds of action in 2022 has delivered that exact mix of players who've been putting up their hands.

Here are five men grabbing the - relatively speaking - limelight.

MIHLALI MOSI (CHEETAHS)

One of numerous hidden gems to emerge from last year's Varsity Cup, the 25-year-old loose forward steadily familiarised himself with the setup in Bloemfontein when he arrived and has now blossomed into a key member.

Blessed with athleticism, Mosi has illustrated a pleasing willingness to supplement his attacking carrying abilities with increasingly imposing defence.

Following a mixed bag of tackling in the opener against Griquas, Mosi has tightened up considerably, excelling in the freewheeling affair against the Bulls at Loftus, where he didn't miss a single attempt.

He's also become a reliable lineout option.

ZANDER DU PLESSIS (GRIQUAS)

After nailing a magnificent 63m penalty against the Pumas, everyone pondered whether a new Frans Steyn has emerged.

Du Plessis, a star in Tuks' Varsity Cup-winning team of 2021, certainly possesses the technique and boot to follow in the footsteps of the Springbok legend.

But the mop-haired play-maker will also tell you he's his own man and his gradually finding his groove at inside centre, where his immense defence has been a highlight.

Based on his current trajectory, he'll be hot property for the bigger franchises soon.

MPILO GUMEDE (SHARKS)

Still only 21, this Junior Springbok was set