Irish Times sports writer John O’Sullivan has warned Leinster of the threat posed by Bulls-bound Sharks fullback Luan Giliomee at Kings Park on Saturday.
The 20-year-old starred with two tries in the Sharks’ 41-24 opening-round victory against the Ospreys in Durban and will look to make another big impression against the understrength URC champions.
Writing for The Irish Times, O’Sullivan described Giliomee’s performance as the latest evidence of a “precocious talent”, adding: “The Irish province [Leinster] is forewarned. Forearmed? That’s to be determined.”
Giliomee’s first try against the Ospreys particularly caught O’Sullivan’s eye.
“It highlighted the essential attributes of timing, acceleration, footwork, balance and peripheral vision,” he wrote. “It was a composite of excellence.”
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The former Junior Bok’s size, versatility and attacking ability also prompted the Irishman to draw comparisons with two of the Springboks’ most dangerous backs.
“Giliomee is 175cm tall, weighs 81kg, and can play scrumhalf, outhalf [flyhalf] and fullback,” he wrote. “Think Cheslin Kolbe or Kurt-Lee Arendse.
“It’s in the 15 jersey that he’s got the chance to shine in the URC, last weekend being a case in point.”
O’Sullivan also highlighted the prospect of Giliomee coming up against Leinster’s 20-year-old fullback Todd Lawlor, who made his debut in last week’s 27-26 defeat to the Lions at Ellis Park.
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“The son of former Irish international Phil certainly took the chance presented to him, running for more metres (144) and beating six defenders in an eye-catching display,” he wrote.
“Lawlor showed great composure and confidence, particularly in the way he took on the Lions’ chasing line and ran back kicks, often beating multiple opponents.”
Photo: Gerhard Duraan/Gallo Images
The post ‘Leinster need plan for Luan’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Irish Times sports writer John O’Sullivan has warned Leinster of the threat posed by Bulls-bound Sharks fullback Luan Giliomee at Kings Park on Saturday.
The post ‘Leinster need plan for Luan’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
