New dawn for Stormers
SKIPPER KOLISI: WE’RE TRYING TO CREATE A MORE ALL-ROUND PERFORMANCE
With their new training regime he says they are fitter.
Stormers captain Siya Kolisi said they are looking to increase the “ball in play” scenario before opening their Super Rugby campaign at Newlands against the unpredictable Jaguares this afternoon.
The Stormers lost a close quarterfinal contest at home last year to the Chiefs, but Kolisi said they are working on creating a more all-round performance.
“With our new way of training we have worked harder, but we have got to play more rugby so it is easier for us to get to learn the plays and everything going forward,” said Kolisi.
There are a lot of changes in playing personnel, most noticeably after the departures of fullback Cheslin Kolbe, flyhalf Robert du Preez and centre Huw Jones, but Kolisi believes there’s great energy in the entire squad.
“We are very excited as a team, there have not been a lot of changes. We are just working harder on the things we wanted to do last year,” he said.
“We want to keep improving every year, so it is something the guys are very excited about.”
While the Stormers would be missing the experience of old hands like locks Eben Etzebeth and Pieter-Steph du Toit and prop Frans Malherbe through injury, Kolisi said it is imperative they make a solid start before their tough away leg next week.
“The most important thing for us is this upcoming game against the Jaguares,” he said.
“We have put all of our concentration into this game and we know if we start off well and get a win at home we will go on tour with a positive mindset.”
There’s great excitement about what the attacking prowess the back three of fullback Dillyn Leyds and wings Raymond Rhule and Sevens sensation Seabelo Senatla could bring to the Stormers party, but then the pillars have to be put in place first.
“It is looking good and we are looking forward to the new season, we know we have to be even fitter to play the game we want to play,” Kolisi said.
Kick-off: 3.05pm.
Trevor Stevens
Having successfully hosted the prestigious PGA Championship three times, the Eye of Africa Signature Golf Estate is keeping its feet on the ground.
Jaco van Zyl won the tournament for a second time in 2016 when the course, just south of Joburg, hosted it for the first time, Erik van Rooyen made a name for himself in last year’s event and last weekend Chile’s Matías Calderon produced a masterclass final round to win by one stroke after sinking a breaking downhill, 40-foot putt on the 18th.
It may not have the overwhelming prize money and bigname players of the many bigger tournaments that enjoy European Tour status in South Africa but the event is steeped in history, dating back to 1923 and the winners list is a Who’s Who of South African golf.
The PGA Championship, prior to 1965 a matchplay event, along with the South African Open and the South African Masters formed the Triple Crown of South African golf. Only South African golfing legends Bobby Locke, Gary Player and Ernie Els have won all three titles in the same season.
I was fortunate enough to play on the Greg Norman-designed layout this week, just a few days after Calderon lifted the trophy. The invite for the round said “play it like the pros”, so while the greens were quick and all the pin placements were incredibly tough and still in the same spot as the Sunday, thank goodness we didn’t hit it off the back tees. I mean the professionals had to contend with a par-four 18th into the wind that took a driver and five-wood for most.
Director of Golf Grant Muller, who had to endure watching me chop my way around 18 holes, said the course would be back to normal in just two weeks.
“We are very happy hosting this tournament, and are keen to continue. It takes a lot of hard work, costs a lot and your members have to make a lot of sacrifices,” said Muller, who took up golf at the age of 14 and played a staggering 45 holes at Glendower with a friend at his very first attempt.
He never looked back and after turning pro in 1992 he only retired last year.
“But we love it, and it’s an honour to do so.”
The likes of Louis Oosthuizen and George Coetzee have added their name to the PGA Championship winner’s circle in recent years, so don’t be surprised if you see Calderon adding to this victory in the near future.