Swys de Bruin believes Wandisile Simelane will be a great addition to the Stormers, but acknowledges the need for defensive improvement, particularly at centre.
Simelane is set to link up with the Stormers after Vodacom Bulls chief Edgar Rathbone confirmed an exchange deal that will see the outside back trade places with Cornel Smit, as the Capetonians look to boost their options in midfield.
Former head coach, now SuperSport analyst, De Bruin included Simelane in the Lions’ Currie Cup squad in 2018 after standout performances at junior level.
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In an interview with Netwerk24, De Bruin highlights Stormers defence guru Norman Laker as a key factor in Simelane’s potential success, citing the assistant coach’s work with flyhalf Manie Libbok.
“I loved Wandisile in attack, but his dilemma is that wherever he goes, he will have to improve his defence at centre,” De Bruin said.
“Norman Laker is a very good defensive coach. I believe he will take his time with Wandisile. Norman has already proven this with guys who struggled in a similar way when they arrived at the Stormers, such as Manie Libbok. Manie defends his channel on loose link very well now.
“He has to be in the offensive players’ faces on defence. A smaller guy always has to go in hard and eliminate the time and space. Norman will know all these things. I think Wandisile can fit in with Norman.
“He scored incredible tries at junior level, usually from counter-attacks.”
Simelane’s dynamism, reminiscent of Cheslin Kolbe, including his adept kicking and playmaking skills, also impress De Bruin.
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He added: “Wandisile has a bit of Cheslin Kolbe in him. He can kick off with both feet. He also has a hide kick, which he can use very well. I also really liked that he went looking for a job after passing out the ball. He has good hands.
“I think the reason he hasn’t made it [at the highest level] is that in this country we have an obsession with defence. Most guys pick a player based on how he can dive before how he can attack.
“The Bulls and Sharks also did not want to continue with Manie, because it was believed that he could not defend the loose link channel. I’d rather work with those guys because I love their offensive abilities.
“The point is if Norman and [the Stormers] work correctly with Wandisile, he will cook at the Stormers.”
Photo: @Springboks/Twitter
