It’s nice to see Seabelo Senatla in the Stormers’ line-up for the match against the Rebels. It really is.
But of what use is his pace, skill and finishing ability going to be if he stands on the wing and freezes his behind off? Of what use is he going to be if he’s got to chase kicks all night?
Senatla is a special rugby player with special skills, a game breaker. He is a guy who can produce a bit of magic, some wizardry. It’s something the Stormers desperately need to start scoring tries, something that will actually give them a chance of winning the Super Rugby title.
The Stormers’ attack has been terrible this season, scoring 21 tries from their 12 matches so far.
Their scrum has been awesome and Demetri Catrakilis has managed to kick the goals. But they need something extra, and Senatla could be that man.
It’s obviously going to be difficult for Senatla to hit the ground running. Let’s be frank, he just came back a few days ago after playing Sevens rugby since last year November. To expect him to perform miracles is a bit harsh, but the Stormers will have to find a way to get him involved in the game, especially on attack.
The Stormers have suffered meltdowns on attack this season in the opposition’s 22, and maybe Senatla could be the cure.
His ability to take a half chance or create something out of nothing makes him a dangerous customer. And coach Allister Coetzee knows that.
“We welcome back a player like Seabelo, who is an out-and-out winger. He’s done the same thing last year, he’s had a great Currie Cup last year and had a taste of Super Rugby also after the Sevens circuit last year,” said Coetzee.
“This is a quality player that we’re talking about, and towards the business end of the season one has got to make sure that you build capacity in your team. You want to have all of your players ready and available to play.
“He has something that you can’t coach and take away, and that is his blistering pace and he is a good finisher.
“He’s just got to focus and do the basics right, and he knows what is expected of him.”
Senatla will only have a couple of training sessions with the team before the match, but Coetzee says the flyer is in a good mental space and is ready to have a go at a Rebels team who are going to be a lot trickier than one would have imagined they would be at the start of the season.
“He had already said in the media that he’s looking forward to playing for the Stormers. Should he get an opportunity, he would really wants to play, so what more can you ask for from a player?” Coetzee said.
“We had to make sure that Seabelo is mentally and physically fit to play and he comes through with flying colours and has trained out there today. Everyone is really happy with him being back and there is a great vibe and spirit around that.”
TEAMS
Stormers STARTING XV: Cheslin Kolbe, Seabelo Senatla, Juan de Jongh, Damian de Allende, Dillyn Leyds, Demetri Catrakilis, Louis Schreuder, Duane Vermeulen (capt), Siya Kolisi, Schalk Burger, Manuel Carizza, Eben Etzebeth Frans Malherbe, Scarra Ntubeni, Steven Kitshoff; Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Ali Vermaak, Vincent Koch, Jean Kleyn, Nizaam Carr, Nic Groom, Kurt Coleman, Huw Jones
Rebels STARTING XV: Mike Harris, Cam Crawford, Dom Shipperley, Mitch Inman, Tom English, Jack Debreczeni, Nic Stirzaker, Scott Higginbotham (capt), Scott Fuglistaller, Sean McMahon, Lopeti Timani, Luke Jones, Paul Alo-Emile, Pat Leafa, Cruze Ah-Nau; Replacements: Tom Sexton, Keita Inagaki, Laurie Weeks, Cadeyrn Neville, Jordy Reid, Colby Fainga’a, Luke Burgess, Bryce Hegarty - The Star