VIDEO: WP's sharpening Swiss army knife
WATCH as Western Province utility back Luke Burger speaks about his ability to slot into most backline positions.
Being a specialist in any profession is usually a massive advantage, and that rings true for rugby players at all levels.
Gone are the days when a player played solely in one position and became known for his entire career for wearing the same number on his back week in and out.
In the modern game, we have seen more and more hybrid players emerging onto the scene.
There was a national outcry when Pieter-Steph du Toit was shifted from lock to flank – today he is the best player in the world because of the work he has done predominantly in the No.7 jersey.
Jan-Hendrik Wessels dabbled between lock, hooker and prop during his high school career and now switches between hooker and prop for the Bulls and Boks.
Damian Willemse and Sacha-Feinberg Mngomezulu can both play flyhalf, inside centre and fullback – as was the case back when Frans Steyn came onto the scene.
Apart from Willemse and Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Western Province has another Jack of all trades on their books in Luke Burger.
Burger made his Currie Cup debut in 2024 and started this past weekend in his side’s 23-48 loss against the Bulls.
Despite the loss, the one shining light was Burger’s partnership with former Junior Springbok Damian Markus, who was threatening with the minimal opportunities they received on attack.
Burger said that he is comfortable playing any of the positions he has filled so far and prefers to dabble around them, as it will help him be a better player for his teammates.
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“In my debut season with Western Province, I played wing and fullback, and now I’m stepping into the No.13 jersey.
“I also played a bit of inside centre for UCT [in the Varsity Cup] as well.
“I love a challenge and to experience new things.
“Each position has slightly different roles, and I feel it’s beneficial to play in all these different positions
“It helps me understand what the players around me are looking for from my side.”
“I don’t have a preferred position. I’m quite flexible and enjoy any position.
“As long as I’m on the field and I can do my part, I’m happy.”
Burger added that his versatility can only be beneficial in the long run.
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“It [being versatile] can only be to my benefit.
“For myself to be able to train in these different positions and put my hand up, should we need someone to step in when there are injuries or there isn’t enough depth.
“It’s one part of my game that’s beneficial, so I’m always happy to move around and be comfortable wherever I’m playing.
“It’s definitely something that I would regard as being aware of and something I try to keep as sharp as I can.”
