De Villiers full of praise for departing Kitshoff, Du Plessis and Nel combination

Former Stormers and Springbok legend Jean de Villiers was full of praise for his former side and a number of their players during a United Rugby Championship (URC) media round table session this week.

Speaking on a range of subjects, mostly surrounding the URC final as well as a bit on the international front, De Villiers highlighted departing Stormers skipper Steven Kitshoff, as well as the centre duo of Dan du Plessis and Ruhan Nel, for particular praise.

Kitshoff will play his last game for the Stormers (for now) in Saturday’s URC final, before heading to Irish giants Ulster, and De Villiers recalled fond memories of when the loosehead prop first started out at the Stormers.

‘Consent form’

“I was quite fortunate to still be playing when Steven was starting out. I can remember this teenager joining us at the Stormers and all the admin that was required,” reminisced De Villiers.

“We actually had to get permission. I remember how his parents needed to sign a consent form allowing us to pick him for Super Rugby on safety grounds because he was so young. I’ve told this story quite a lot these past few weeks.

“I remember the first couple of years of him being a very quiet young guy. Kitsie probably spoke five words a week in the team environment and that was probably in a post-game situation when he could start enjoying a couple of beers.

“He really didn’t speak much, but he always had this big smile on his face and always produced on the field. But I can’t deny that he was a bit shy.”

Over time Kitshoff has transformed into an incredible leader and world class rugby player, and with a good few years still left in the 31-year-old’s legs, he will probably continue to enhance his stature with his move to Ireland.

“Kitsie is still a man of few words. But he’s really developed into, firstly, a world-class player and a man who really leads from the front,” said De Villiers.

“I think it’s undeniable that he’s been the guy that’s gotten the Stormers to play towards a common goal and pushing them in the same direction.

“He’s been fantastic for the Stormers and Springboks. His leadership has just grown significantly over the last five years or so. The results speak volumes to that ability.”

De Villiers then highlighted the brilliant partnership that has blossomed over the season between Du Plessis and Nel, who have become an extremely formidable centre partnership over the campaign and will be key weapon’s in the final against Munster.

“I always say that when you talk about midfielders it’s a combination. You have to pick a combination, because sometimes you put two guys together, who are individually really good, but they just don’t gel,” explained De Villiers.

“It seems like that with Dan and Ruhan, they really do gel. I think the make-up of the backline as a whole also has an impact on that.

“They use Damian Willemse in certain areas to perform certain skills, and obviously they have Manie (Libbok) there as well, so the way they interlink and change around is also a benefit to them. But these two have played really well together.

“Their work-rate is immense, their defence is solid which is a big part of the Stormers’ game. But it’s more their work-rate that really brings value to the team.”