Quick tap with Sti Sithole

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DHL Stormers prop Sti Sithole answers a few questions about working with director of rugby John Dobson, as well as scrumming against Neethling Fouche and Frans Malherbe.

You were coached by John Dobson in the DHL WP U21 team. How much has changed and how much has stayed the same since then?
Not that much has changed to be honest, Dobbo was always big on the team culture and belonging. I think now things are a bit more precise and professional in a coaching sense. The game has evolved since then and everything is a lot more scientific. Back then there were no GPS stats and we would just train until Dobbo was happy. I would say he has calmed down a little bit though. I remember once we beat the Sharks U21 by about 20 points, but we butchered a lot of chances and he wasn’t happy and told us we should have given them 60. It felt like we didn’t actually win the game, but I think he knew what that team was capable of. We had some great players like Cheslin Kolbe, Dillyn Leyds and Tim Swiel in that team.

Can you describe how tough live scrum sessions are when you are up against the likes of Malherbe and Fouche?
It is very tough, the intensity makes it almost tougher than matchday simply because guys like Neethling and Frans are top players, but also they know you and what you do because you scrum against them so much. It is full-on and we really go at each other. We are always interchanging so you are scrumming against different hookers and I’ll lose some scrums, but come matchday we are able to win some penalties. So even though I lose a few at training, I know I am going to be better for it on the weekend.

What would you say is your favourite part of playing at DHL Stadium?
It is a world-class stadium in a beautiful location, but I think what makes it is the fans. Running through the tunnel and hearing the roar you realise that this team means a lot to them. Then you run onto the pitch and see the flags waving and the smiles on their faces.

For more, see thestormers.com

Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

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