Dillyn Leyds could profit from Springbok chaos

It says much for the chaotic state of Springbok rugby at the moment that for the past two years there have been several crucial positions that haven’t been filled by steady performers.

One of those jerseys is undoubtedly at fullback, where – despite Andries Coetzee being the preferred candidate in 2017 – there’s still an opportunity for someone to make the role his own.

Step up then, Dillyn Leyds.

The 25-year-old will be the last line of defence for the Stormers in their Super Rugby opener against the Jaguares at Newlands on Saturday.

It’s undoubtedly a switch that serves the national interest.

Not that Stormers mentor Robbie Fleck sees it quite that way.

“Dillyn is a huge presence for us,” said the former Bok midfielder.

“He had a massive season both for us and the Springboks. I think the way he played fullback in his most recent Test for South Africa was pretty good. To have that sort of calmness at the back is really beneficial. The way he’s been going lately gives us a lot of confidence.”

Leyds’ (relatively) new role does come with an added responsibility in terms of leadership but Fleck believes it comes naturally to him.

“He’s a leader in our group. He’s going to be a big decision-maker in what we get up to at the weekend. Hopefully he can control things nicely at the back,” said the Capetonians’ coach.

With Cheetahs recruit Raymond Rhule making his debut for his new team and Seabelo Senatla only having returned recently from national sevens duty, Leyds is undoubtedly going to be the glue that keeps an exciting but wayward back three together.

Fleck is naturally keen to see the trio’s game-breaking abilities but also cautious.

“Seabelo is obviously in-and-out between sevens and fifteens. It always takes him a bit of time to adjust but he’s been with us for two weeks now. I’m happy with the other two too, they read the game well and defend satisfactorily,” he said.

“From a combination point of view they are a bit green in terms of knowing each other. Each one has their different strengths and will add value to the way we want to play.”

Stormers: Dillyn Leyds, Seabelo Senatla, EW Viljoen, Damian de Allende, Raymond Rhule, Damian Willemse, Dewaldt Duvenage, Nizaam Carr, Cobus Wiese, Siya Kolisi (c), JD Schickerling, Chris van Zyl, Wilco Louw, Bongi Mbonambi, Steven Kitshoff. Bench: Ramone Samuels, JC Janse van Rensburg, Carlu Sadie, Jan de Klerk, Kobus van Dyk, Justin Phillips, George Whitehead, JJ Engelbrecht.

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