Seabelo Senatla of the Stormers scores a spectacular try. Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images
Former Sevens star on Springbok trajectory? Top coach believes so
Stormers coach John Dobson believes Seabelo Senatla is beginning to display the sort of form that could earn him Springbok consideration.
Seabelo Senatla of the Stormers scores a spectacular try. Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images
Senatla signed a contract extension with Western Province Rugby last April, having continued to commit to a full-time transition from sevens to fifteens after an illustrious career with the Blitzboks. The 29-year-old has been a standout performer for the Stormers ever since the South African teams returned to United Rugby Championship action, and it does appear that Senatla could soon be knocking on the Springbok door if he maintains this sort of form.
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“Every time we get him there [back to his best], there’s either been an injury or Covid-19 issues or the Olympics or a suspension,” Dobson said during a virtual media conference when asked about Senatla’s progress.
“I thought that was an international-level performance on Saturday (against the Sharks). I know what is driving Seabelo, and if you know Seabelo, you know that he is really driven.
“This is a guy who gets somebody to help him practice poaching in his garden. He is a consummate professional, and he is so desperate to be a guy who successfully transitions from sevens to fifteens. On that level, he has every possibility.
“He just needs a sustained run, and I’m quite excited. We’ve got those home games at Cape Town Stadium in March and April, and in those conditions, it could be really good for him and maybe he will get into the international frame.
“The trajectory is looking really good, and he’s absolutely desperate.”
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Meanwhile, Bulls winger Madosh Tambwe, who produced another strong Player of the Match performance in a 21-13 victory over the Lions at Loftus Versfeld, has also earned high praise from former Springbok Bob Skinstad.
“He was the standout player for me in that game. He did start by giving away a penalty, but then he just powered through the rest of that match. Madosh is big, strong and fast. He’s finishing well and making big tackles, and isn’t making too many huge defensive errors,” said Skinstad.
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