Rugby

Currie Cup 2023 player to watch: Lubabalo Dobela



South African rugby followers needs to be enthusiastic about former Junior Springbok flyhalf Lubabalo Dobela returning to XVs rugby and Griquas, in accordance to his coach Pieter Bergh.

Dobela is one younger player many rugby followers will see for the primary time when the 2023 version of the Currie Cup kicks off on Friday.

Griquas, final 12 months’s shedding finalists in Kimberley, entertain neighbours, the Cheetahs, within the opening sport at 4pm on Friday.

‘Different dynamic’

Bergh has picked Dobela at flyhalf for the match and is happy concerning the former Grey High pupil being his workforce’s basic at 10.

“He’s got exceptional speed, and has an ability to play attacking rugby,” stated Bergh.

“I hope he gives us a different dynamic in our attack. He’s a player who likes to attack the line, he’s got a good pass on both sides, and he’s a good defender. You can’t play Sevens if you can’t tackle.”

Former Sevens coach Neil Powell fingers Lubabalo Dobela his Blitzboks jersey, with captain Siviwe Soyizwapi alongside him in April final 12 months. Picture: David Van Der Sandt/Gallo Images

Dobela beforehand performed for the Cheetahs and in addition joined the SA Sevens Academy in 2020 from the place he made his Blitzboks debut final 12 months. This was after turning out for the Junior Boks in 2018 the place he performed alongside the likes of Salmaan Moerat, Ruan Nortje, Wandisile Simelane, Zak Burger and Tyrone Green.

“When I heard Lubabalo had decided to give up Sevens I literally jumped at the opportunity to sign him,” stated Bergh. “He’s ready to go in XVs. I’m excited about him.”

‘Skills and vision’

Cheetahs Hawies Fourie is aware of Dobela nicely and he additionally is aware of what a risk he poses to his workforce within the Currie Cup opener.

“He’s got a lot of skills. He’s an attacking flyhalf and we’re very aware of his ability,” stated Fourie.

“He’s a quality player, and he’s probably learned a lot more having spent time at the Blitzboks. He’s got good hands and vision and hopefully for us he will make a few mistakes on Friday. We’re certainly going to have to try and put him under a bit of pressure.”

At 25, Dobela has acquired some rugby in him and is among the gamers to watch on this 12 months’s Currie Cup.

Besides the Griquas-Cheetahs sport on Friday, the Sharks host the Griffons and the Lions entertain WP on Saturday, whereas on Sunday, the Bulls welcome the Pumas to Pretoria.


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