The Stormers could shake things up in the backline for Saturday’s Vodacom URC coastal derby against the Sharks in Durban.
Jonathan Roche is poised to reclaim the No 12 jersey, with Springbok Damian Willemse potentially switching to fullback in place of Warrick Gelant. The last line of defence is also where Willemse plays more regularly for the Boks.
For Roche, who attended a Springbok alignment camp last year, the potential call-up carries added weight, with Sharks enforcer Andre Esterhuizen expected to be his direct opponent.
“If I get the opportunity, I’ll grab it with both hands,” the 22-year-old said. “Andre is an incredible player and you could see how good he was last week. He has everything. He can play as a back or a forward and he’s good at passing, kicking and running. He also has a good boot-off and he’s quick as well.”
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Rather than shying away from the challenge, Roche sees it as a chance to measure himself against the very best.
“It would definitely be a great opportunity. You want to grow by playing against the best players. When you play against better players, you’re challenged every time to perform.”
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A start at No 12 would also see Roche lining up outside Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, a combination that stretches back to their schoolboy days at Bishops.
“Sacha was a year ahead of me at school. We played one match together and then the Covid-19 pandemic hit,” Roche said.
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Now reunited at senior level, Roche has nothing but admiration for the Stormers playmaker, who has quickly established himself as the Springboks’ preferred flyhalf.
“Sacha’s trajectory is phenomenal. He is extremely talented, but what people don’t always see is his work ethic and what he does behind the scenes. He works very hard and his attention to detail is at a high level. He’s a phenomenal guy to look up to. A true role model.”
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Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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