Stormers Boss Dobson Praises Paul de Villiers and Riley Norton Ahead of Sharks Derby
- Paul de Villiers is showing more confidence ahead of the Sharks derby, with John Dobson impressed by his growth
- Riley Norton has caught Dobson’s eye, giving the Stormers another option in the pack ahead of the Sharks clash
- John Dobson has explained the changes he has seen as two Stormers youngsters prepare for a big derby test
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Paul de Villiers is entering Saturday’s Stormers-Sharks derby with growing confidence, with director of rugby John Dobson praising the youngster’s development since his Springbok debut. De Villiers will start at blindside flank alongside Siya Kolisi and Hacjivah Dayimani at DHL Stadium.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Dobson said the 23-year-old had become more involved within the Stormers environment.
“He’s definitely come out of his shell. He’s got much more swagger, in a nice way, about him,” Dobson said, according to SA Rugby Magazine.
“I have no doubt he’s come back a better player. He’s certainly more confident and keen to contribute to our environment in terms of his own thoughts.”
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De Villiers’ increased confidence comes after gaining international experience with the Springboks earlier this year. He will be one of seven returning Springboks making their first Stormers appearance of the season.
Riley Norton gives Stormers another option
While De Villiers has impressed with his attitude, Riley Norton has caught Dobson’s attention with his work rate.
Norton, who captained the Junior Springboks, has already featured in the Stormers’ opening matches of the URC season. He will start Saturday’s match on the bench after previously switching between loose forward and lock.
Dobson said Norton’s emergence had helped address a selection problem in the Stormers pack.
“He’s been absolutely superb. It’s a massive problem solved for us because BJ [Dixon] can still come in there [at lock] now,” he said.
The coach added that Norton’s work in areas such as cleaning rucks had impressed him.
“He’s not a two-metre lock and he doesn’t do flashy stuff,” Dobson said. “Riley has ticked a lot of boxes for me.”
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Stormers face Sharks test
The Stormers head into Saturday’s clash at DHL Stadium with a tough test awaiting them, as the unbeaten Sharks arrive looking to maintain their perfect start to the URC campaign. Kick-off is set for 16:00 South African time, with the Stormers going into the coastal derby with one win and one loss from their opening two matches.
The derby will give John Dobson a chance to assess whether Paul de Villiers’ growing confidence and Riley Norton’s versatility can make a difference when the pressure rises.
The Stormers will also have plenty of international experience on the field, with 11 Springboks included in their match-day squad for the highly anticipated clash.
Paul de Villiers reflects on Springboks’ Wallabies defeat
Briefly News previously reported that Paul de Villiers opened up about the Springboks’ dramatic 42-38 defeat to Australia in Perth. The flanker said the loss had given the team valuable lessons ahead of the Nations Championship.
De Villiers also reflected on playing in Australia, with the Springboks set to return for next year’s Rugby World Cup. He explained what the squad can take from the difficult Test.
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Source: Briefly News
