Stormers’ midfield an easy target for Reds
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Reds attack coach Jim McKay has made no secret of their intention when they host the Stormers on Friday.
While Stormers’ flyhalf Jean-Luc Du Plessis has come under loads of scrutiny for his recent display in the No.10 jersey, Reds, on the hand, have discovered another shortcoming in the Cape Town franchise’s set-up.
The Australian side attack coach McKay noticed the lack of potency when it comes to the Stormers’ midfield and has opted to exploit the troubling area occupied by outside centre Ruhan Nel and inside centre Damian De Allende.
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Nel, who has won two Sevens World Series titles with the BlitzBoks, a Currie Cup with Western Province and he has toured with Springbok‚ made the permanent switch from the Sevens to the fifteens last year.
Nel’s move was accompanied with loads of promise. However, thus far his Super Rugby career has been less than impressive. He made his Super Rugby debut during that humiliating 3-40 defeat to the Bulls in February and has struggled to stamp his authority on the game.
And this week is set to be even more challenging as Nel and his Springbok partner De Allende will be in direct contest with Reds’ Sefa Naivalu and captain Samu Kerevi.
The Fijian-born Australian international, who returns to the No.12 jersey in place of Duncan Paia’aua, has been arguably the Reds’ best this season with his incisive running and distribution. However, was notably less involved when stationed at outside-centre against the Rebels, plugging the gap left by Chris Feauai-Sautia.
Paired with the big Naivalu, the Reds’ midfield duo will certainly be an extra decisive boost to the Reds attack, which has certainly been a facet that is very efficient, boasting 20 tries compared to the Stormers’ nine.
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“This year, we’ve seemed to play our best rugby when we’ve had two more strong, direct carriers [in the midfield],” Reds attack coach Jim McKay told AAP.
“But Samu can provide us that ability to go wide as well. We believe he’s played his best rugby for us this season at 12.
“Then you’ve got Sefa on his outside shoulder, we’re excited about that opportunity as well,”
@rugby365com & AAP
