Stormers head coach John Dobson has sung the praises of star back-row Hacjivah Dayimani after he shone in his team’s 40-8 victory over the Lions in Cape Town on Saturday.
He was named the official man of the match after delivering an outstanding attacking performance as the Stormers outscored their hapless visitors by five tries to one.
Two try assists
Although he did not cross the whitewash, Dayimani was in the thick of the action and finished with assists for both of Angelo Davids’ five-pointers after tearing the Lions defence to shreds with strong carries in the build-up.
He also caught the eye with solid performances in the Stormers‘ previous URC clash against the Bulls and their Champions Cup victory over London Irish. If he continues with his current fine form, Dayimani could be rewarded with a Springbok call-up later in the year.
The 25-year-old joined the Stormers from the Lions last year and Dobson revealed that he has surpassed what was expected of him.
“That’s what we wanted from Hacjivah when we got him,” Dobson told Sport24.
“He’s probably exceeded our expectations. He’s magic at getting the ball away and keeping it alive. And you can’t coach his speed.
“I’m very happy with the way he’s going. He’s getting better at other aspects of his game that are tied in with the darker stuff: the defence, maul defence, lineout contesting and his own lineout is superb.
“We recognise his progress.”
Dobson also singled out Stormers captain Steven Kitshoff for special praise for his excellent leadership after the Cape Town-based outfit lost the services of key Springboks in recent weeks.
“There’s credit to Steven [Kitshoff], too. We’ve taken three Springboks out of that pack – Evan Roos, Salmaan Moerat, Frans Malherbe – but we were still able to produce,” he said.
“It shows the resilience and character within this group.
“Steven was good in leading the team this week. We looked at last year’s game against the Lions as our lowest point.
Full of pride
“To be where we are now, to have gone over a year, in terms of days, [unbeaten at home] makes me grateful and proud.
“These players are so resilient and they keep coming. We can be accused of making mistakes but never of not turning up with pride and passion.”
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