Sanele Nohamba credits one of SA rugby’s all-time leading playmakers with his success at playing scrumhalf and flyhalf for the Lions.
The 25-year-old has been a resurgent force for Ivan van Rooyen’s charges since leaving the Sharks for the Lions, and a potential Springbok bolter in the national squad over the 2024 Test season.
Rassie Erasmus’ focus is on building depth at flyhalf for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, and Nohamba’s versatility and elite kicking allows the former Junior Springbok star to jockey for the Bok No 9 and 10 jersey over the next four-year cycle.
Speaking with Lions teammate JP Smith in a recent SuperSport segment, Nohamba addressed the challenges of his dual role for the Lions while praising the guidance of retired 68-Test Bok Morne Steyn, now Lions kicking consultant.
“There’s not much difference, especially with my background in schoolboy rugby, I did dabble a bit at nine and 10 for Sharks Schools and SA Schools, that sort of helps,” Nohamba said.
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“With Coach Morras more than anything, he tries not to change how I play but gives me tips on what to look for, especially when you’re playing at 10… The vision that you have as compared to nine, because at nine you’re so close to the breakdown but at 10 you’re a little bit further back.
“So it’s just triggers to look for, to find space, whether it’s running or kicking space, and taking the right space at the right time.”
He added: “I do tackle a lot [more at 10]. Without shying away, rugby is a physical game and you are going to get into collisions. But with the help of coaches, from grassroot level learning how to tackle, most of the time science has to prevail.
“Instead of trying to make a big hit, for me personally, it’s getting my technique right, getting low and taking the boys down – you can’t run without your ankles, and another thing, you can’t gym your ankles!”
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/INPHO/Shutterstock