Hurricanes wing is switching on fast
Kobus van Wyk is revelling in his move to New Zealand after scoring a hat-trick on debut for the Hurricanes.
The 28-year-old made the switch in the off-season after six years with the Stormers and Sharks in Super Rugby.
He missed the first three games for his new team with niggling injuries picked up in the pre-season, but showed his impressive finishing abilities with three tries in the 63-15 rout of the Sunwolves in Napier on Saturday.
‘‘It was awesome to be part of the team, to get my debut, and to score three tries is not bad, but credit to all the guys around me that made all the opportunities for me,’’ he said.
Van Wyk’s story was an unusual one given the rarity of Kiwi Super
Rugby teams bringing in overseas talent.
He said even he was taken aback when he got a call from his agent after South Africa’s domestic competition last year to say the Hurricanes were interested in him.
‘‘At the end of the Currie Cup, my agent phoned me and said the Hurricanes were looking to sign me and I said ‘no way’, because you just don’t hear of South African players coming over to New Zealand.
‘‘I still have to pinch myself. It’s unreal to think I’m playing for a New Zealand team at the moment. I’ve come a long way to play for the Hurricanes and I’m loving it over here.
‘‘It’s been a good move for me as a person as well as my career.’’
Van Wyk’s wife June, and their 20-month-old son Elijah, also moved to Wellington with him.
Such a move with a young child can be difficult, but van Wyk credited the man who signed him, former Hurricanes coach and current All Blacks assistant coach John Plumtree, and his South African wife, Lara, for helping them settle in.
‘‘We still keep in touch, he gives me a few pointers here and there. He’s a good coach and his wife has helped my wife sort out a few things, especially with the baby.’’
On the field, van Wyk has been enjoying playing the more open game that is played in New Zealand compared to South Africa.
‘‘I love it. We throw the ball around and make a lot of offloads, which is what I love to do as a player, so I’m enjoying it so much over here.’’
Outside of van Wyk’s performance, the Hurricanes got plenty from their squad players on Saturday.
Chase Tiatia bagged two tries in his season debut at fullback with Jordie Barrett rested.
They also got through the match with no major injuries to speak of as they prepare to take on the resurgent Blues at Sky Stadium in Wellington next Saturday.