New Sharks back three excites Mvovo
ALTHOUGH it is well known that one man does not make a team, the addition of someone special can have a far-reaching effect in different dynamics within a team.
One of the most exciting players in South Africa, Willie le Roux, recently joined the Sharks, and in the week leading up to what is expected to be his debut in Port Elizabeth, his value is being felt by those around him.
Combinations in a team play a big part in the overall success. The halfback should gel, the centres should be complementary and the loose trio should be balanced.
But many forget about the importance of the back three, both in defence and in kicking off a rip-roaring counterattack.
The Sharks have the luxury of four Springboks, and a Sevens Bok, as well as some other class players to choose from in the back three.
Le Roux will no doubt be paired up with the likes of JP Pietersen, Odwa Ndungane, S’Bura Sithole and Wandile Mjekevu, as well as Lwazi Mvovo, over the season, and the latter is excited to be working with the experienced Springbok.
While many will be hoping to see the big names of Le Roux, Mvovo and Pietersen unleashed on the hapless Kings, indications are that Ndungane might take up the other wing in Pietersen’s stead this week.
“I think Willie is a world-class player, and with that experience at the back he eases the tension and nerves,” Mvovo said.
“As a back three combination, we are very excited in showing what we can do. But it is not just us, it is S’Bura, Odwa and the likes who are willing to fit in and just play exciting rugby.”
Mvovo, now one of the more senior statesmen in the team, still has a lot to learn from Le Roux, but his role has also evolved to provide his own bit of mentoring to some of the younger backline players.
Injuries are already playing their part before the season has even started, and as such coach Gary Gold is confident his youngsters will have all the support they need.
“Losing Pat (Lambie) is a massive blow, but I think that Garth (April) has shown in the last game he played that he is willing to come in and prove himself,” Mvovo added.
“It is important for the guys coming in to show what they can do, and there is no doubt in my mind that Joe (Pietersen) and Garth coming in will play very well.”
While Gold has made the decision to back his youngsters, such as April and the Du Preez twins, Jean-Luc and Dan, it may still be a little early for April to be tossed straight in – especially at No 10 against the Kings.
The coach should be applauded for his recruitment of young and exciting players, but the energy and dynamism his new assistant coaches are adding cannot be underestimated.
“The new coaches (Robert du Preez and Omar Mouneimne) have brought so much into the Sharks,” Mvovo said.
“The guys have learnt and are willing to take on board whatever the new coaches are teaching us. It’s new voices, and so many new ideas, I think the guys are excited about the season.
“Omar, as a new coach – and also looking back at the defensive mistakes we made last year – adds something different, and judging from the two games we played already there will be a lot of excitement in defence. He has brought so much experience and a different way of defending.”