SP Marais forced to take the long road

EYEBROWS were raised last week when Stormers coach Robbie Fleck preferred SP Marais at fullback over Newlands darling Cheslin Kolbe for their Super Rugby opener against the Bulls.

The coach’s decision was vindicated as Marais produced an assured performance of composure and incisiveness to silence a small band of critics.

Marais is only 26 but he is already playing for his fourth Super Rugby franchise.

Because of his nomadic professional existence he has been labelled a “journeyman”.

While the moniker might be correct‚ it is a word that makes Marais bristle because circumstances have forced his hand to a large extent.

He was part of the Southern Kings’ first foray into Super Rugby in 2013 where he showed his potential.

But when the Eastern Province Rugby Union’s coffers ran dry‚ Marais was one of many players who were victims of circumstance.

Players’ salaries were unpaid and Marais was lucky enough to find piecemeal work at other unions.

But it was hardly the stuff of dreams for a young man with a desire to play top-level professional rugby.

It led to stints at the Sharks and Bulls before arriving back in the Western Cape‚ from where he originally hails.

“I’ve been around the block‚ but not through my own choice most of the time‚” Marais said.

“Last year was the hardest of my life.

“I went from Durban to Port Elizabeth‚ stayed there for two months‚ moved back to Durban for seven weeks‚ then went to Pretoria for 12 weeks and then back to PE for another two months before coming to Cape Town.

“So I’m happy and grateful to have the opportunity to be part of the set-up at the Stormers.

“If I play that’s great and if I don’t I’ll keep working hard.

“In terms of my game‚ I wouldn’t say I’ve added a lot to it since being at the Stormers‚ but there has been a greater emphasis on skills and running rugby.

“I always had a dream to play for the Stormers because this is where I grew up‚ but I had to walk the longer route to get here,” Marais said.