Paul de Villiers, the Stormers' dynamic loose forward, is not just playing rugby; he's staking his claim to be the permanent fixture in a team that's bulldozing its way through the Vodacom URC. With a flawless track record of three wins in three games, and two of those being shutouts, the Stormers are leading the pack and are prepped to clash with Zebre in Parma this coming Saturday. The Cape Town squad, already riding high, looks unstoppable and De Villiers is a big reason why.
At just 22, De Villiers has been a revelation early in the season, known for his relentless hustle at the breakdown and a physicality that's earned him accolades. As the Stormers set their sights on maintaining their unbeaten streak, De Villiers is clear on his role, "For me it’s really about continuing to do what I’ve been doing, especially at the breakdowns, making sure our defence has a bit more time, slowing down ball and turning over possession. It is an area that we pride ourselves in," he says.
"He’s a massive role model and I do ask his advice quite regularly."
With the veteran flanker Deon Fourie out with a bicep injury, De Villiers has more room than ever to shine. Fourie's absence is palpable, as De Villiers acknowledges the significant influence the elder statesman has on and off the field. But with greater responsibility comes greater opportunity, and De Villiers is seizing his with both hands.
Every player thrives when trusted by the coach, and De Villiers is no exception. "Any player enjoys being backed by their coach and it’s one of the ways of improving my personal game. It’s an opportunity then for me to make myself irreplaceable in a way – but I don’t mean that in an arrogant way. I want to be able to bring something that the team can’t play without," he reflects.
The competition within the Stormers' ranks is fierce, but De Villiers is not just participating; he’s dominating. "There’s massive competition among the loose forwards and I’m loving the challenge," he asserts. This kind of drive is exactly what keeps the Stormers ahead of the game and their fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating every match. As they gear up to face Zebre, all eyes will be on De Villiers and his quest to become indispensable to a team that's already looking like champions.
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Paul de Villiers, the Stormers' dynamic loose forward, is not just playing rugby; he's staking his claim to be the permanent fixture in a team that's bulldozing its way through the Vodacom URC. With a flawless track record of three wins in three games, and two of those being shutouts, the Stormers are leading the pack and are prepped to clash with Zebre in Parma this coming Saturday. The Cape Town squad, already riding high, looks unstoppable and De Villiers is a big reason why.
At just 22, De Villiers has been a revelation early in the season, known for his relentless hustle at the breakdown and a physicality that's earned him accolades. As the Stormers set their sights on maintaining their unbeaten streak, De Villiers is clear on his role, "For me it’s really about continuing to do what I’ve been doing, especially at the breakdowns, making sure our defence has a bit more time, slowing down ball and turning over possession. It is an area that we pride ourselves in," he says.
"He’s a massive role model and I do ask his advice quite regularly."
With the veteran flanker Deon Fourie out with a bicep injury, De Villiers has more room than ever to shine. Fourie's absence is palpable, as De Villiers acknowledges the significant influence the elder statesman has on and off the field. But with greater responsibility comes greater opportunity, and De Villiers is seizing his with both hands.
Every player thrives when trusted by the coach, and De Villiers is no exception. "Any player enjoys being backed by their coach and it’s one of the ways of improving my personal game. It’s an opportunity then for me to make myself irreplaceable in a way – but I don’t mean that in an arrogant way. I want to be able to bring something that the team can’t play without," he reflects.
The competition within the Stormers' ranks is fierce, but De Villiers is not just participating; he’s dominating. "There’s massive competition among the loose forwards and I’m loving the challenge," he asserts. This kind of drive is exactly what keeps the Stormers ahead of the game and their fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating every match. As they gear up to face Zebre, all eyes will be on De Villiers and his quest to become indispensable to a team that's already looking like champions.