Sharks XV vs Western Province: Can WP's Young Guns Conquer Durban?

Currie Cup Clash: Sharks XV Host Western Province in Durban

Western Province coach Labeeb Levy is banking on Riley Norton's exceptional stamina to give his side the edge in their Currie Cup match against the Sharks XV in Durban. The clash promises to be a fierce battle as both teams look to improve their standing in the competition.

Norton, fresh from captaining the Junior Boks to victory at the World Rugby U20 Championship, has already impressed at senior level. His ability to play the full 80 minutes, demonstrated in the previous match against the Cheetahs, showcases his remarkable endurance. "He's got good lungs and just has the ability to keep going," Levy commented. "He played the full 80 last week and in the last 10 minutes he was carrying prominently."

Norton: A Future Leader for Province and Stormers?

Levy believes Norton's energy, combined with his inherent leadership qualities, positions him as a future captain for both Western Province and the Stormers. "It's pretty obvious. He will become an integral part of the union at multiple levels," Levy explained, highlighting Norton's positive influence on the team and his eagerness to learn. He also noted that Norton is a natural leader and will likely captain the Stormers and Western Province. "He’s not yet the finished product – let’s get that clear – but he’s like a sponge, just takes everything in. He’s very positive with the team, with the players, with the coaches."

Youthful Loose Trio to Take on Sharks

Norton will team up with Louw Nel and Paul de Villiers in a youthful but dynamic loose trio. Levy is confident that this combination can dominate at Kings Park. He emphasizes the importance of improving their breakdown play, aiming for quicker reactions and cleaner breakdowns to enhance their game flow. According to Levy, "I think we can still be a bit better at the breakdown. Last week we were better in terms of reaction to clean and breakdown speed which gave us good flow to our game."

The inclusion of Paul de Villiers is expected to disrupt the opposition's ball possession, potentially leading to turnovers and penalties. Levy believes this experience will be invaluable for the young players, and he wouldn't be surprised if Norton gets a taste of URC action this season. “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.”