Springbok flank Paul de Villiers could become Rassie Erasmus’ next hybrid player.
De Villiers has made a huge impression in his four Test starts for the Springboks this year, but his path to regular game time could become more complicated following the return of captain Siya Kolisi.
The Bok coach is reportedly keen to develop the 23-year-old into a hybrid player in the mould of André Esterhuizen, who has been used at both inside centre and flank.
“I don’t think Paul is a guy who can play hooker. He can throw in very well at lineouts, but he doesn’t quite have the size for hooker [1.80m and 101kg],” Erasmus told Rapport. “Paul can certainly help out at lineout time.
“I think he can become more of a hybrid player like André Esterhuizen, who can play No 6 and No 12, rather than being developed into a hybrid player who plays No 6 and hooker.”
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Stormers coach John Dobson told Rapport that the Cape club had already identified the same opportunity for De Villiers.
“I don’t want to sound as if I’m stealing Rassie’s ideas, but we thought exactly the same thing. We want to build hybrid players.
“So I completely agree with Rassie. Paul has the skills and pace for inside centre, and he knows how to read opponents in defence, especially in what we call the ‘vacuum’ at No 12 after a short lineout.”
Photo: @Springboks/X
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