John Dobson, the strategic mind behind the Stormers, has made a bold decision to debut Markus Muller, the prodigious teenage sensation, in a pivotal match against Glasgow Warriors. At just 18 years and some change, Muller is set to shatter records as the youngest player to don the Stormers jersey, a title previously held by Damian Willemse since 2017.
Dobson, known for his knack for nurturing young talent, remarked, "We wanted to play Markus this season. He’s a great player and it’s important to show that if you come through our system, you’ll get an opportunity." The decision comes despite the high stakes of the game, which could influence the top position in the URC standings with only two rounds left.
"Look, he’s a very, very special player. And we really want him to have at least one exposure [this season]."
Muller's debut was previously postponed due to his commitments with the SA U20 team. Now, with the team's health roster bolstered by the return of Johnny Roche and Josh Boulle from injuries, Dobson feels the timing is perfect. "It felt like the right thing to do," he added.
The strategic choice to include Muller was further supported by the Stormers' bench setup for Saturday's game, featuring a 5-3 split to provide ample backline cover, ensuring a safety net for Muller’s entry. Dobson explained the versatility Muller brings to the team, noting, "Sacha [Feinberg-Mngomezulu] can go to the back [15], Ruhan [Nel] can go into 12, Markus can go there or to 13. Our plan is to give him 10 or 15 minutes at a high level. He’s probably not the first guy on, but we want him to experience it."
Dobson’s vision extends beyond this season, as he aims to prepare Muller for higher challenges, including the U20 World Championship and the Currie Cup, stating, "I don’t want him going to the U20 [World] Championship or [playing in] the Currie Cup without having had this experience. He’s an exception, there’s something special there."
As the Stormers prepare to unleash their youngest warrior, the rugby world watches with bated breath, eager to witness the rise of a new star on the rugby horizon.
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John Dobson, the strategic mind behind the Stormers, has made a bold decision to debut Markus Muller, the prodigious teenage sensation, in a pivotal match against Glasgow Warriors. At just 18 years and some change, Muller is set to shatter records as the youngest player to don the Stormers jersey, a title previously held by Damian Willemse since 2017.
Dobson, known for his knack for nurturing young talent, remarked, "We wanted to play Markus this season. He’s a great player and it’s important to show that if you come through our system, you’ll get an opportunity." The decision comes despite the high stakes of the game, which could influence the top position in the URC standings with only two rounds left.
"Look, he’s a very, very special player. And we really want him to have at least one exposure [this season]."
Muller's debut was previously postponed due to his commitments with the SA U20 team. Now, with the team's health roster bolstered by the return of Johnny Roche and Josh Boulle from injuries, Dobson feels the timing is perfect. "It felt like the right thing to do," he added.
The strategic choice to include Muller was further supported by the Stormers' bench setup for Saturday's game, featuring a 5-3 split to provide ample backline cover, ensuring a safety net for Muller’s entry. Dobson explained the versatility Muller brings to the team, noting, "Sacha [Feinberg-Mngomezulu] can go to the back [15], Ruhan [Nel] can go into 12, Markus can go there or to 13. Our plan is to give him 10 or 15 minutes at a high level. He’s probably not the first guy on, but we want him to experience it."
Dobson’s vision extends beyond this season, as he aims to prepare Muller for higher challenges, including the U20 World Championship and the Currie Cup, stating, "I don’t want him going to the U20 [World] Championship or [playing in] the Currie Cup without having had this experience. He’s an exception, there’s something special there."
As the Stormers prepare to unleash their youngest warrior, the rugby world watches with bated breath, eager to witness the rise of a new star on the rugby horizon.