Does Masimla have a chance?
Kolbe at No 15 is a no-brainer, while Jean-Luc’s instinctive play is what team needs
WITH the Stormers kicking off their Super Rugby campaign against the Bulls at Newlands on 25 February, here is the backline that I think can make the biggest impact against their old foes.
No 9: Godlen Masimla I know Robbie Fleck is unlikely to take this route, but it’s worth a shot anyway. You see, Godlen Masimla is one of those guys who I believe really deserves a chance. A proper one. But given the fact that the exciting scrumhalf hasn’t even enjoyed a lot of Currie Cup action with Western Province (due to other scrummies getting the nod and maybe also because of his untimely concussions), it might be a leap to expect his name to be called for Super Rugby duty. But it should be, and there’s one simple reason why: I think he packs more punch than Dewaldt Duvenage, Justin Phillips and Jano Vermaak. He just needs more experience. Masimla can be dangerous, just ask the opposition who have had to deal with him sniping around the rucks and pestering them with that speed and power. But again, he just needs some game time to show that.
No 10: Jean-Luc du Plessis This is such a crucial position for obvious reasons, but it’s even more important for the Stormers because of their history and their desperate search for a general. And if there is one man who brings some spark to the No 10 position, it’s Jean-Luc du Plessis. The flyhalf came on for Robert du Preez in the second half against the Lions and immediately made an impact, but that’s nothing new, that’s just the kind of player he is. What sets him apart is that he plays instinctively. He takes risks. And he gets involved wherever he can. And that is what the Stormers need. They don’t need a quiet player at flyhalf. They don’t just need a goal-kicking flyhalf. They need one who can create play and opportunities, who has top game management abilities and who can read situations. And that’s Jean-Luc du Plessis.
No 11: Seabelo Senatla
Now this is a guy who the Stormers need whether they are getting ready to play the Bulls, Chiefs, whoever. The reigning World Sevens Player of the Year needs no introduction, and his signing with the Stormers will undoubtedly give their already-strong backline even more edge. The try master recently became the all-time leading Springbok Sevens try-scorer, so the contributions he can make are obvious. But besides his try-scoring prowess, Senatla is speed with a capital S. And any team needs that on the outskirts. So Bulls, beware.
No 12: Damian de Allende We all know what Damian de Allende can do when he’s at his best. It’s just been a while since we’ve seen him at that level.
He slowly started to show glimpses of his 2015 abilities at times last year, so he should be determined to get back to his best this season.
And that will mean an insane ability to stay on his feet and get an offload away, strong carries and big runs and, of course, a complete demolition of the gain line.
No 13: Dan du Plessis Last year, when WP faced the Blue Bulls in a Currie Cup opener, Dan du Plessis produced a superb performance as he ran hard at the Bulls’ defence, delivered impressive offloads and hand-offs, and got over the gain line a good few times. And why should this meeting with the Bulls be any different (besides the fact that this is a Super Rugby fixture)? With that fine, elusive running, his ball handling and his ability to bring his wings into the game (which should be a massive plus since the Stormers want to play more expansively), I don’t see anyone more fit than Du Plessis to have that No 13 on his back against the Bulls next weekend.
No 14: Dillyn Leyds This versatile back can make things happen whenever he has the ball, and his pace and strong ability to read the game has seen him create opportunities on the outside, or pacing down touch himself. Leyds’ influence also saw him being named captain for the Stormers’ warm-up game against the SWD Eagles in George two weeks ago, and after having been on the sidelines for almost a year, the utility back should be keen to get back to Super Rugby business.
No 15: Cheslin Kolbe
Does this choice really need to be discussed? Anyway, here goes. So Fleck will have a number of options at fullback this season. He has SP Marais, who did well for the Stormers in their pre-season win over the Lions, and youngster Damian Willemse, who has shown what he is capable of at junior level and also proved that he can perform at senior level when he came on against the 2016 Super Rugby finalists at Newlands. Then there is also Bulls back Bjorn Basson, who joined the Stormers recently. But the man who gets my backing for the fullback jersey is none other than Cheslin Kolbe. Yes, last season wasn’t his finest, but I believe there is no better man than him to thrill the Newlands faithful from the back. Yes, Basson has aerial skills that many a fullback would, and probably should, wish for. Marais has a kicking game that has been a strength for both the Sharks and the Bulls, and Willemse is a star in the making. But Kolbe is Kolbe. The X-Man. The Newlands fans love him to bits, and it’s his last Super Rugby season before he heads off to Toulouse. It’s what they call a no-brainer.