Cape Town - Last year was a torrid season for Stormers coach Robbie Fleck in terms of his flyhalves. First, Robert du Preez was thrown onto the sidelines after sustaining a knee injury in round two against the Cheetahs, then Kurt Coleman suffered a season-ending knee injury in the build-up to the Cape side’s round five fixture against the Jaguares.
But if there is one positive about something as unwanted as injuries, it’s that it almost always gives those who have been eagerly knocking on the door a chance to show what they can do.
In this case that eager rookie was Jean-Luc du Plessis, and he definitely provided what we will call a bit of “Du Plessis magic” to the team. The son of legendary Western Province and Springbok wing Carel du Plessis, did his thing for a team that was already under pressure and had a playoff against the Chiefs looming. Du Plessis limped off the field with what turned out to be a serious ankle injury in the first half against the Kings at Newlands, yet again leaving Fleck with serious problems.
Du Preez returned to action and took charge, but after a few less than convincing performances that continued into the Currie Cup, Province coach John Dobson called on Under-21 pivot Brandon Thomson, and the two No 10s exchanged the jersey for several matches, before Du Preez found his mojo and Thomson was released to the junior side.
Now, with both Du Plessis and Du Preez fit and ready, Fleck again faces a flyhalf problem, but this time it’s a good one, as he now has to decide who he will entrust with the all-important duties.
It’s going to be a tough call to make, as both of them enjoyed some great moments last year. After Du Preez was ruled out, Du Plessis eased any worries of the Stormers’ lack of experience with some composed, and at times, superb performances.
Against the Sunwolves, in his first start, the 22-year-old steered his side to a commanding 46-19 win with a personal points haul of 16. He was a rock on defence, his clearances were accurate and he was clinical with his distribution, while also showing off his finishing abilities with a superb last-minute run down left touch to score.
Du Plessis is an exciting, instinctive player, with probably his only blemish being the occasional missed kick at goal. That standout performance against the Sunwolves was far from his only one. He can create opportunities for his side and his work rate is huge, and you will often see him doing what other flyhalves usually don’t.
But Du Preez also has a lot to offer. Though less of a “play it like it comes” player, Du Preez has also masterminded some exciting play with the Stormers, especially against the Sharks at Newlands last year, when he created three tries with beautiful hands and brilliant touches of the boot.
He also showed a much-improved tactical game as the season progressed. So again, it’s not like either of these guys are undeserving of the No 10 jersey. And the history of WP and Stormers rugby makes the decision an even more crucial one.
The flyhalf position, and in fact the halfback pairing, has long been a troublesome area for the Cape franchise, but the No 9 and 10 combo is a story for another day.
Right now the most important thing is that Fleck goes with the flyhalf who not only offers the most and does so consistently, but that he goes with the one who can spark some creativity that has for so long been lost in the Cape.
And I think Du Plessis is that one.