Branded as the famous, and most fearless young guns in the current South Africa rugby circles, the Stormers quartet of Siya Kolisi, Steven Kirchoff, Marlhebe and Eben Etzebeth have been a marvel to watch in opening rounds of the 2012 Super Rugby Season.
Even Stormers coach, Allister Cortzee believes these youngsters are destined for that celebrated Springbok jersey soon. Is that too early to say?
Well, I had the pleasure of following through the careers of all these youngsters, having noticed them playing at the famous Coca Cola Craven Week Festival. Of cause, the much talked about laaitie during that time (2009), was Siyamthanda Kolisi, a rampant, bulldozing and powerhouse loose-forward who seems to have easily fitted into the Cape rugby culture, following his move there in 2011, having played most of his junior rugby at Grey College (Bloemfontein).
What stood out the most back then were his powerful runs, with ball-in-hand, that destroyed the WP junior side, during the Craven Week match that I watched, where he ran in four well executed tries (a not so common feat for someone playing in that position). He carried that form right through to Bok junior rugby, where he has twice represented them at the junior Rugby World Cups (2010 and 2011).
Siya made his Super Rugby debut for the Stormers this season, and he has been in terrific form, ever since replacing the injured Schalk Burger on the side of the scrum. At only 20 years, a lot is still expected from him, and seeing as he’s currently the only ethnic black player in the Stormers run-on side, I’m told he is a role model to most black kids coming through in the Cape townships. Those who have played with him have also echoed his leadership capabilities, and hopefully we’ll be seeing him in the Stormers leadership team in a few years to come.
The big question though is, will he go astray and follow in the footsteps of the late Tybilika (once a famous Bok flank whose career was wrecked by ill-discipline) OR he’ll leave up to the hype that has already been created?
Wat sey?
Coach...
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