When Friday night rolls around and the Sharks face off against Western Province in a Currie Cup showdown, all eyes might just be on Riley Norton, whose tank seems to run on some kind of supercharged fuel. Western Province coach Labeeb Levy can't seem to stop singing praises about Norton's stamina and sheer determination in the fray.
Labeeb Levy, who's been sculpting young talents into rugby stalwarts, has found a gem in Norton. "He’s got good lungs and just has the ability to keep going," he remarks about the young flanker who managed to last the full 80 minutes in their recent skirmish with the Cheetahs. The coach was particularly impressed with Norton's vigor in the dying minutes of the game, noting,
"He played the full 80 last week and in the last 10 minutes he was carrying prominently."
But it's not just Norton's lung capacity that's got Levy excited. The coach believes Norton's blend of youthful zeal and inherent leadership is precisely what the doctor ordered. "It’s pretty obvious. He will become an integral part of the union at multiple levels," Levy explained, ensuring to temper expectations with a dose of reality, "He’s not yet the finished product – let’s get that clear – but he’s like a sponge, just takes everything in."
Norton's positive influence extends beyond just his gameplay; it seeps into his interactions with teammates and coaches alike, marking him as a future captain not just for Province but also for the Stormers. "He’s a natural leader and it’s obvious that he’s going to be a Stormers and Western Province captain … and even beyond that. There’s no doubt about that," Levy added confidently.
As Norton gears up to take the field alongside Louw Nel and Paul de Villiers, forming a formidable loose trio, Levy is optimistic about their chances at Kings Park. They’ve honed their skills at the breakdown from last week, and with players like Paul, the opposition might just find themselves starved of quick ball. "With someone like Paul in your team, there will be slow ball for the opposition, a few turnovers or penalties," he predicted.
Levy concluded with a hint of pride, "We’re blessed with three youngsters and the experience they get here will be invaluable. I won’t be surprised if Riley plays URC this season." The trio's synergy and the rough-and-tumble of Currie Cup play could just be the perfect prep for the big leagues.