Stormers give Notshe openside nod
by Craig Ray,
2016-02-23 05:00:00.0
STORMERS coach Robbie Fleck is set to unleash Sikhumbuzo Notshe as his preferred openside flank this season, ahead of stalwarts such as Schalk Burger and Siya Kolisi.
Notshe is a versatile loose-forward who can operate at blindside and No 8 and has generally been known for his attacking, running skills. He will now have to reinvent himself as a man who plays to the ball and who can give his side crucial quick ball from the breakdown, or slow opposition possession.
A severe injury to Rynhardt Elstadt has cleared one obstacle in Notshe’s path, although Fleck says that the decision to focus solely on openside play had been taken while Elstadt was still fit.
"We know about Notch’s skills as a linking player, but there is an opportunity at the union for him to concentrate on being an openside.
"He is keen and wants to develop his game. We need him to get stuck into the dirty stuff, the hard stuff and into those dark places opensides need to go.
"Notch is up for the challenge and this will develop his game to another level," Fleck said. "It’s been part of the plan for the entire preseason, even before Rynhardt was injured. Notch asked me if there was an opportunity at No6. I said there was, but made clear it wasn’t because it was a quicker or easier way into the side.
"He felt that it was a challenge he was ready to take on. He believes it will benefit his game and I agree with him.
"No6 is a crucial role, regardless of the player. He has to be quick to the contact point, he’s got to dominate the breakdown, secure possession and link. Notch is a natural linking player and will bring that to the role and it will suit the way we want to play. It’s not an easy position to play."
Fleck said that Kolisi and Burger, who have both played the crucial position, might be used there at some stage in the campaign. But for now Kolisi will focus on blindside flank and Burger on blindside and No8.
"Siya was pressured to play No 6 and he felt he needed to perform at openside with the Stormers to get Test recognition. But I believe he’s a natural No 7. He is a ball carrier, immensely strong in contact and has good stopping power.
"Schalk has played openside most of his life and he is prepared to play it again. He is honest enough to say that playing openside every week is a tough physical challenge.
"He has developed his game and we all saw how successful he was as a No7 or No8 with the Boks. But it doesn’t discount him as a No 6."
The Stormers open their Super Rugby campaign against the Bulls at Newlands on Saturday.
Sikhumbuzo Notshe. Picrture: GALLO IMAGES/STEVE HAAG
STORMERS coach Robbie Fleck is set to unleash Sikhumbuzo Notshe as his preferred openside flank this season, ahead of stalwarts such as Schalk Burger and Siya Kolisi.
Notshe is a versatile loose-forward who can operate at blindside and No 8 and has generally been known for his attacking, running skills. He will now have to reinvent himself as a man who plays to the ball and who can give his side crucial quick ball from the breakdown, or slow opposition possession.
A severe injury to Rynhardt Elstadt has cleared one obstacle in Notshe’s path, although Fleck says that the decision to focus solely on openside play had been taken while Elstadt was still fit.
"We know about Notch’s skills as a linking player, but there is an opportunity at the union for him to concentrate on being an openside.
"He is keen and wants to develop his game. We need him to get stuck into the dirty stuff, the hard stuff and into those dark places opensides need to go.
"Notch is up for the challenge and this will develop his game to another level," Fleck said. "It’s been part of the plan for the entire preseason, even before Rynhardt was injured. Notch asked me if there was an opportunity at No6. I said there was, but made clear it wasn’t because it was a quicker or easier way into the side.
"He felt that it was a challenge he was ready to take on. He believes it will benefit his game and I agree with him.
"No6 is a crucial role, regardless of the player. He has to be quick to the contact point, he’s got to dominate the breakdown, secure possession and link. Notch is a natural linking player and will bring that to the role and it will suit the way we want to play. It’s not an easy position to play."
Fleck said that Kolisi and Burger, who have both played the crucial position, might be used there at some stage in the campaign. But for now Kolisi will focus on blindside flank and Burger on blindside and No8.
"Siya was pressured to play No 6 and he felt he needed to perform at openside with the Stormers to get Test recognition. But I believe he’s a natural No 7. He is a ball carrier, immensely strong in contact and has good stopping power.
"Schalk has played openside most of his life and he is prepared to play it again. He is honest enough to say that playing openside every week is a tough physical challenge.
"He has developed his game and we all saw how successful he was as a No7 or No8 with the Boks. But it doesn’t discount him as a No 6."
The Stormers open their Super Rugby campaign against the Bulls at Newlands on Saturday.
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