Schalk Burger has identified an area for improvement for Springbok rookie Riley Norton after his impressive performance against the Barbarians in Gqeberha.
The 20-year-old lock produced an outstanding 80-minute display in his first senior appearance in green and gold, scoring a try, making eight carries, completing 11 tackles and securing four lineout wins to earn selection in the Springboks’ 46-man squad for the Nations Championship Tests against England, Scotland and Wales.
“A guy like Riley – 20 years old, playing a full match against grown men. That’s not easy,” said Bok coach Rassie Erasmus after the match.
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Burger was equally impressed, particularly by the role Norton played in the Boks’ attacking game.
Reviewing Pieter-Steph du Toit’s try on the Verdict podcast, the former Bok flank highlighted the influence of attack coach Tony Brown’s system.
“We get into the shape nicely,” Burger said. “We see we still run those four players with like the number two, and a lot of times it goes straight past the first two, so it’s four players off nine, something we saw with Tony Brown last season, and then you have your options.
“Our 22 attack, how direct and on top of the ball we are – it’s something that also is a Tony Brown influence from last year, where it’s not as structured.
“It’s sort of creating chaos, staying on top of the ball – these attacking sets are spectacular, and you see Riley Norton featuring prominently.”
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While Burger was full of praise for the Junior Boks captain, he believes there is one area that could take his game to another level.
“Moving forward, because he’s such a hard worker, he’s going to get himself in a lot of ball-carrying positions,” Burger said.
“And if you’re looking to work on, you go create a nice skill set in and around putting other players in space.
“He does have great hands, so it won’t be a hard fix for him to get a nice little tip option, out-the-back option.”
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Photo: Lubabalo Lesolle/Gallo Images
The post Schalk spots work-on for Riley appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Schalk Burger has identified an area for improvement for Springbok rookie Riley Norton after his impressive performance against the Barbarians in Gqeberha.
The post Schalk spots work-on for Riley appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
