Stormers coach John Dobson has applauded the efforts of the national coaches to make themselves available to the Vodacom Super Rugby franchises. DYLAN JACK reports.
The Stormers continued preparations at their Bellville training ground this week for their 2020 Super Rugby opener against the Hurricanes on Saturday.
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However, there were a few surprise faces on Tuesday as newly appointed Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber, SA Rugby director of rugby Rassie Erasmus and former Stormers lock Eben Etzebeth all attended.
While the reason behind Etzebeth being back in the Cape is a mystery, Nienaber and Erasmus both took a keen interest in the training session.
Erasmus was more the quiet observer, but Nienaber wasted no time in getting actively involved, yelling instructions on the field as the Stormers worked on their defensive structures.
‘He was here last week as well,’ Dobson said on Nienaber after the session. ‘He can’t help himself. He arrived in jeans and a shirt and you saw by the end he was coaching.’
New Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber is in the thick of the action during @THESTORMERS training on Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/EAtGop6rF8
— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) January 28, 2020
Dobson spoke highly about Erasmus’ efforts to make the national team coaches available to help the various franchises in whatever areas they need assistance.
‘I think what is incredibly good in SA Rugby at the moment is the availability of the national coaches. I am not sure how much it happens elsewhere in the world. We always talk about the New Zealand central contracting model. I know [Mzwandile] Stick has been to the [Vodacom] Bulls to help with high balls. Rassie has made them all available.
‘So, it is brilliant. Rassie has given a lot of help around refereeing management across all the franchises. There is a real collective to build upon that momentum from the World Cup. Jacques is brilliant, the passion that he has, he can never just stand and watch.’
The Stormers will name their team to face the Hurricanes on Thursday afternoon.
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Photo: Ziyaad Douglas/Gallo Images
