It's just a number for Carr
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Nizaam Carr's role in the WP loose trio seems tailored made for the No.8, but in saying that, he is not averse to getting stuck in as a gritty No.6.
Carr has grown from strength to strength since the Stormers Super Rugby campaign where he was shifted to the side of the scrum to accommodate Springbok incumbent No.8, Duane Vermeulen.
Carr first shone in 2011 for the South African Under-20 team as a No.8, but his willingness to adapt for the sake of the team saw him outplay Springbok Siya Kolisi for the Stormers No.6 jumper.
Now, with Vermeulen occupied with the Boks, Carr has been able to revert back to the tail of the scrum – after picking up some useful skills as a flank.
"I don't really mind where I play, as long as there is a space open for me, I'll play where ever I am needed," Carr said from the High Performance Centre in Bellville, Cape Town.
"I do enjoy playing No.6, it is more about getting towards the ball and cleaning out those rucks and adding to the tackle count.
"I probably prefer playing No.8 but in saying that, where ever I am needed – I will play."
Carr has made mention of the new style of play that Western Province and the Stormers have adopted in aiding him in switching between the positions.
"With the new game plan and with the new structures it makes it quite easy to switch between the roles of No.6 and No.8," Carr continued.
"My type of game suits both positions, there is no real big difference for me – I just go out onto the park and enjoy myself while I roam around.
"It depends on the team you are playing but it is quite easy to adapt to those two positions."
As an out-and-out No.8 in this seasons Currie Cup, Carr has found some fantastic form, providing the classical skills that one would expect from your link-man.
"We figured out that we need that link in the loose trio," Carr said of his latest role in the team.
"Robbie Fleck [Province backline coach] approached me and said: that is my game plan and that is what I need to do.
"I quite enjoying doing that – running around with the backs while linking in with the forwards.
"That is more my duty – to get ball in my hands and give it to the backs to create the overlap."
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