John Dobson believes Cobus Reinach still has the gas to spark a Stormers backline, as the promising Jonathan Roche continues to make waves in midfield.
The Stormers on Tuesday announced the signing of veteran scrumhalf Reinach from next season. His acquisition comes as Herschel Jantjies departs for Bayonne at the end of the season and Paul de Wet is tipped to join the Vodacom Bulls.
Despite Reinach approaching his 35th birthday, Dobson remains convinced of the two-time Springbok world champion’s value.
“He is a world-class scrumhalf and I think he’s one of the best in South Africa,” Dobson told Sport24. “He is trying to get to the next [2027] World Cup, and he definitely possesses all the goods.
“He’ll be younger than Deon Fourie was in 2023 if he gets there.”
“We did all our research, and his speed is where it’s always been. His age wasn’t a factor.”
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“Anyone who knows him knows about his professionalism and training ethic and how he raises training standards and how competitive he is.”
Meanwhile, former Stormers head coach Robbie Fleck has drawn parallels between Roche and Bok star Damian de Allende. “He is similar to Damian – big, strong, aggressive, defends well and carries the ball strongly,” Fleck told Netwerk24.
“What he had to work on, as was the case with Damian, was his passing, vision and decision-making. That’s where he made progress and what you’re starting to see now.”
The 21-year-old Roche, who recently made his Investec Champions Cup debut, has impressed Fleck with his defensive skills.
“He can defend at both inside and outside centre, which is quite unique because the positions place different demands on the defence. His skills under the high ball are also very good,” said Fleck, who worked with Roche during his time as UCT attack coach.
“We haven’t seen the best of him yet. If a player can develop so quickly, it means he can be coached easily and understands what is needed. He’s a hard worker and holds a lot of promise for the Stormers going forward.”
