Paul de Villiers, known primarily as the Stormers' breakdown maestro, demonstrated this Saturday that he's not just about scavenging for the ball. At just 23, de Villiers is already flexing his rugby muscles beyond the ruck, delivering not just one, but two try assists in a pivotal 39-26 victory over the Leicester Tigers. This performance didn't just secure the Stormers a spot in the Investec Champions Cup last 16 but also snagged de Villiers another Man of the Match accolade.
"I'd like people to see me as an all-round player," de Villiers asserted, setting the tone for an ambitious season. He continued, "The breakdown, defence, and physicality are a big part of my game and the role of a No 6, but I also like having the ball in hand. I want to contribute on different levels – whether that’s on defence, kick chase, or attacking and linking with the backs."
"He’s on another level at the moment."
Stormers defence coach Norman Laker shared insights into de Villiers' evolution, attributing it to both on-field prowess and off-field diligence. "As the season has gone on, we’ve got to know each other a lot better and he understands the system now," Laker explained, chuckling about their early-season disagreements. "He’s a clever guy, and it makes our defensive sets easier when you’ve got someone who can either steal the ball or slow the breakdown."
Laker was also quick to highlight de Villiers' strategic acumen: "One thing Paulie is doing really well at the moment is making good decisions. His turnover-to-penalty ratio is much better than it was in the past. I’m really happy for him, because when he’s doing well, the team is doing well."
The meticulous preparation that de Villiers undertakes also came up for praise. "He doesn’t go onto the field just thinking, ‘I’m going to steal this ball,'" Laker noted. "The homework he does off the field is phenomenal – the video work, the questions he asks during the week. It’s like studying for university. He studies every part of the game: set-piece, breakdowns, where opportunities might come for him and the team."
As de Villiers gears up for another high-stakes derby against the Sharks, his focus remains sharp. "It’s any player’s dream to test yourself against the best," he commented, acknowledging the quality of the opposing team but emphasizing a focus on his own team's strategy and strengths.
With a packed Cape Town Stadium expected, de Villiers is well aware of the boost that the home crowd provides. "Running out in front of that support means a lot," he said. "It helps in the tough moments. You definitely feel like you’ve got an extra man on the field."
The Stormers are set to tighten their midfield defence in the upcoming clash, promising another exhilarating display of top-tier rugby.
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Paul de Villiers, known primarily as the Stormers' breakdown maestro, demonstrated this Saturday that he's not just about scavenging for the ball. At just 23, de Villiers is already flexing his rugby muscles beyond the ruck, delivering not just one, but two try assists in a pivotal 39-26 victory over the Leicester Tigers. This performance didn't just secure the Stormers a spot in the Investec Champions Cup last 16 but also snagged de Villiers another Man of the Match accolade.
"I'd like people to see me as an all-round player," de Villiers asserted, setting the tone for an ambitious season. He continued, "The breakdown, defence, and physicality are a big part of my game and the role of a No 6, but I also like having the ball in hand. I want to contribute on different levels – whether that’s on defence, kick chase, or attacking and linking with the backs."
"He’s on another level at the moment."
Stormers defence coach Norman Laker shared insights into de Villiers' evolution, attributing it to both on-field prowess and off-field diligence. "As the season has gone on, we’ve got to know each other a lot better and he understands the system now," Laker explained, chuckling about their early-season disagreements. "He’s a clever guy, and it makes our defensive sets easier when you’ve got someone who can either steal the ball or slow the breakdown."
Laker was also quick to highlight de Villiers' strategic acumen: "One thing Paulie is doing really well at the moment is making good decisions. His turnover-to-penalty ratio is much better than it was in the past. I’m really happy for him, because when he’s doing well, the team is doing well."
The meticulous preparation that de Villiers undertakes also came up for praise. "He doesn’t go onto the field just thinking, ‘I’m going to steal this ball,'" Laker noted. "The homework he does off the field is phenomenal – the video work, the questions he asks during the week. It’s like studying for university. He studies every part of the game: set-piece, breakdowns, where opportunities might come for him and the team."
As de Villiers gears up for another high-stakes derby against the Sharks, his focus remains sharp. "It’s any player’s dream to test yourself against the best," he commented, acknowledging the quality of the opposing team but emphasizing a focus on his own team's strategy and strengths.
With a packed Cape Town Stadium expected, de Villiers is well aware of the boost that the home crowd provides. "Running out in front of that support means a lot," he said. "It helps in the tough moments. You definitely feel like you’ve got an extra man on the field."
The Stormers are set to tighten their midfield defence in the upcoming clash, promising another exhilarating display of top-tier rugby.