Stormers loose forward Paul de Villiers’ stock keeps rising after yet another standout performance in the Vodacom URC on Saturday.
The gritty ball jackal proved to be a handful as the Stormers overturned a 21-6 half-time deficit to beat Munster 27-21 and remain the competition’s only unbeaten team.
In accepting his Man of the Match award, the 22-year-old was quick to steer the spotlight back onto the collective.
“I’m taking this medal for the team,” he said. “It was surely a team effort. There were a few things that didn’t go our way, but I think the way we reacted to it and the way we responded in that second half – hats off to the team.”
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Saturday marked De Villiers’ first experience of the famed Thomond Park cauldron, and he admitted the occasion lived up to its reputation.
“We knew we were going to be tested. Playing Munster in Limerick was my first time – I’d only ever heard of it,” he said.
“It was a massive challenge, but I think for us to be challenged, being behind and having to really dig deep and fight back, was really good for us as we continue building for the rest of the season.”
That resilience, he believes, is underpinned by a shared confidence spreading through the squad.
“I read a quote that said ‘I believe in belief’ and I think that’s what we had and showed,” said De Villiers. “Even though it was tough at times, when Ruhan [Nel] scored that last try, that belief really came through and I could see the victory.”
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The Stormers now boast four straight overseas wins, a remarkable turnaround from previous seasons, though De Villiers says there’s no secret formula.
“It’s hard to pin it down and I’m not really sure,” he said. “It’s our fourth win on the road, and it must be our mindset, I think along with the momentum and confidence that comes along with it, so hopefully we can keep this record going.”
Photo: Gareth Everett/Gallo Images
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