Cape Town - Rynhardt Elstadt’s nickname is “Fizzy”. It’s got nothing to do with his favourite cold drink or a piece of candy, but everything to do with the way the Stormers utility forward approaches the game of rugby.
“Fizzy” is derived from “physical” or “physicality”, as Elstadt is a no-nonsense competitor who has seemingly scant regard for his body.
Because of his robust approach, the 26-year-old has suffered several terrible injuries the last few years, which has stunted his growth as a player.
Elstadt missed the start of the season after he injured his groin in pre-season, while he has actually only played a handful of matches over the last two years for the Stormers.
This past Saturday against the Reds, Elstadt made his first start of 2016 at lock, and showed the hard edge that he brings to the team. He was still some way off his best, but that is only going to come with more game time.
“I hope it’s the end of the injuries. But rugby is that type of game ... you don’t ask for injuries, they just come like a thief in the night. But hopefully I can finish the season injury-free,” Elstadt said this week.
“It’s been really good to be back on the field. I think they (the coaches) have eased Damian (de Allende) and I very well into the starting lineup, to come back and get confidence.
“After the weekend’s first starts for both of us, I felt really strong, but not really where I want to be. But every week I will progress, and hopefully from there we can take it further.”
Despite his reputation, and the fact that he actually only passes when somebody puts a gun to his head, Elstadt is enjoying the Stormers’ revamped attacking game plan.
In fact, the No 4 shocked the 20 000-odd people at Newlands at the weekend with an offload in the tackle.
Elstadt has been in some very good Stormers teams over the last few years, but he is enjoying the energy the current crop of youngsters have brought into the side.
“I have been in many campaigns, a few semi-finals where we haven’t been able to pull it through. The difference is that we have a very young team,” he said.
“They are playing the type of rugby that is fearless, they just want to get the ball and run with it! There is a lot of excitement in the group, and they are helping each other. The one player is just trying to make the other one become a better player.
“So for me it’s quite a nice challenge, playing with youngsters coming through who want to actually play and make things happen, creating something out of nothing.”
With the Stormers’ current loose forwards playing some impressive rugby, Elstadt has moved back to the second row, where he was simply outstanding in 2011, and was unlucky not be considered for Springbok selection.
With Eben Etzebeth coming back in the next few weeks, Elstadt will probably get another shot at No 4 against the Waratahs on Saturday. But he knows he will have to perform, as starlet JD Schickerling is also having a great rookie season.
“I would still like to be considered for both lock and flank positions. When I made my debut at lock I had a very good season. But I have had a lot of injuries that have set me back, and I’m just trying to get to where I was,” he said.
“I want to knock on the door of the Springboks one day again, but for now I’m only trying to improve and doing my best for the Stormers.”
That Bok dream may not be as dim as Elstadt thinks, with his former mentor Allister Coetzee now in charge of the national team.
Coetzee wanted to take Elstadt to Japan last year but he decided to commit to the Stormers and Western Province for two more years, after they have invested a lot in him and stood by him through his injury setbacks.
“Everybody wants to go overseas, but I just didn’t think it was the right time for me to go,” Elstadt said.
“Everybody left the union at the same time, and I felt I owe the Stormers because I have only played four games in the last two years. They have always been loyal.
“Allister and I have a good relationship. I played under him and it would nice to make the group, but only if I’m at my best and playing good rugby and I deserve to be there.
“If I’m not part of his plans, I’m just going to work hard and do my best for the union.”
Cape Times