Eduan Keyter says his move to the Lions has allowed him to rediscover his value after an injury-plagued spell at the Sharks.
The 29-year-old winger joined the Joburg-based side at the end of last season following four frustrating years in Durban, where injuries limited him to just 10 Vodacom URC appearances and four outings in European competition.
Keyter has featured in five URC matches for the Lions, scoring three tries, and one EPCR Challenge Cup clash, playing a key role in the side’s aerial and kicking game.
“The system is good for me as I’m good in the air, and I’m also good at running with the ball,” he told News24. “It’s exciting and refreshing for me to be in a setup where it’s almost a ‘run before you kick’ mindset.”
Keyter has also struck up a strong understanding with flyhalf Chris Smith.
“Chris has a massive impact on how we kick and when we kick with his experience. The kicking setup into the running setup transitioned well this season. We have a few work-ons when to kick; Chris has made a big impact.”
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Keyter says he has embraced his clearly defined role in the Lions’ back three.
“My role is just to be the work rate behind the ball, work towards the ball, go up in the air and try to be around the ball and get the ball in hands to create momentum and put my mark on the game itself.
“That’s basically us as wingers, always being alive and always trying to help out where we can. The main job is to get your mark in the air and get your dominance. It’s a nice setup we have at the moment; we have a balance between kicking and running.”
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Unfortunately, Keyter won’t play against his former team in Durban on Saturday due to a concussion.
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
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