Ruhan Nel: Stormers No 13 jersey comes big responsibility

Centre Ruhan Nel speaks frankly about the responsibility, challenges and weight of expectation that the accompany the No 13 Stormers jersey that he dons more often than not.

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The Stormers are back at home after a short tour of the United Kingdom and it’s all to play for when they host French outfit ASM Clermont Auvergne in the final Pool B match at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday night.

A bonus-point win against London Irish in Brentford saw the Stormers climb into fourth place in Pool B and the hosts need just one point from Saturday’s match to secure a place in the Champions Cup play-offs.

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NEL ON THE TASK OF MANNING THE STORMERS MIDFIELD CHANNEL

Following a short spell on the sidelines with injury, Nel made a successful return in Brentford, where he resumed his centre partnership with Dan du Plessis and scored an intercept try.

“We have a good understanding of each other’s way of thinking,” Nel explained. “We feed off each other’s mindsets whether we are on attack or defence.

“Playing 12 or 13 in the Stormers setup is a very demanding task. It requires an extremely high work rate. So making each other feel safe on the field is very important and that’s what we try and do every opportunity we get to play together.”

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Since making his Stormers debut back in 2019, Nel has grown into one of the most effective outside centres in the country, with his defensive mastery of the No 13 channel earning him plaudits.

“From scrums and line-outs you are probably the most vulnerable and isolated player in the defence line. You often have guys running out the back with a short runner or a trick play that they try and catch you off guard and make you make the wrong decision,” said Nel.

“The way we as a system defend, it often requires decisions that need to be made sometimes in the moment.

“It’s tricky because if you get it wrong teams find a lot of space out wide, but if we get it right, it’s the most beautiful thing to see. So it’s high risk for high reward.

“I take a lot of pride in wearing the number 13 and the responsibility that comes with it. I want to make the guys in the system feel safe and hopefully give through accurate information to help them feel comfortable in where they find themselves on the field.”

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The Stormers capped a dream 2022 by winning the United Rugby Championship and Nel is eager for more silverware in 2023.

“I think the last year has been groundbreaking in general for the Stormers brand and union. Winning the Vodacom URC, hosting a final, playing in the Heineken Champions Cup, these are all things that I’m sure any player wants to be part of,” said Ruhan Nel.

“The Champions Cup is so unique because it literally represents the best of the best. You can’t get into the tournament without performing in your respective campaigns and then on top of that you need to be on form every weekend because fixtures are so limited. You only have a certain amount of opportunities and one slip-up can cost you a spot in the last 16.

“It’s a tournament with so much history and prestige, and to be a part of that and chase that ultimate silverware is undoubtedly right up there at the top of all our goals for 2023.”

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