Flyhalf Kyle Smith is relishing the opportunity to string a series of matches together and to sharpen up in case that Vodacom URC call from John Dobson comes.
Smith was one of the stars of the Stormers XXIII’s 50-26 Currie Cup win over the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld last weekend, but his versatility could be just as valuable as his performances at No 10.
According to Smith, the Stormers’ flyhalf stocks are packed with players capable of filling multiple positions.
“At the Stormers, we are all versatile flyhalves. Each one of us can also play inside centre and fullback,” Smith told the media on Tuesday.
“It’s important to keep your standards high. You never know when one of the other flyhalves might be selected at inside centre or fullback. Then the opportunity might come.”
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That versatility could prove particularly useful for Dobson’s Stormers as they look to reshape their backline.
Dan du Plessis has left for France, while captain Ruhan Nel, who operates at outside centre, is now 35. Meanwhile, Jean-Luc du Plessis’ injury opened the door for Smith to make his mark in the Currie Cup.
Smith is one of several youngsters who have seized their opportunities during an injury-hit campaign, with loosehead prop Mhleli Khuzwayo, loose forward Wandile Mlaba, centre Markus Muller and scrumhalf Ezekiel Ngobeni among the other emerging talents.
Smith and Ngobeni are both just 21, and the former is enjoying the opportunity to develop alongside his close friend.
“Ezekiel is a very positive guy, someone who brightens up a room when he walks in. We’re good friends and I’m glad that we can play together,” Smith said.
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The pair have even joked about the youthful nature of the Stormers XXIII squad.
“I spoke to Ezekiel about it when we were away from home and he told me that it almost feels like an U21 tour! You can feel the youthful energy,” Smith said.
That youthful energy will be put to another test when the Stormers face the Lions at Ellis Park on Friday, with a victory potentially moving them into the Currie Cup’s top four.
Smith, however, insists the squad is not looking beyond their next challenge.
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“It would be a mistake to look beyond the match against the Lions,” he said.
“But yes, we’re very excited about the possibility of another special evening. It was great to win at Loftus and psychologically we couldn’t be in a better position.”
Photo: Shaun Roy/Gallo Images
The post Standout Smith ready for Dobbo’s call appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Flyhalf Kyle Smith is relishing the opportunity to string a series of matches together and to sharpen up in case that Vodacom URC call from John Dobson comes.
The post Standout Smith ready for Dobbo’s call appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
