Funny thing, life.
Sometimes you have to travel the rocky road to finally find home.
Take fullback SP Marais for example. He’s been spat out so many times during his career that the player once likened to New Zealand legend Christian Cullen seemed like he would never fulfil his destiny.
At 27, though, the Parow -boorling is supposed to be in his prime now and with the Stormers having announced him as one of their new additions for the upcoming season, he will be hoping that this is the move that will give him the recognition he’s worked so hard for.
After stints at the Leopards, the Kings, the Sharks and the Bulls, this is surely his final stop in South Africa.
His return to Cape Town, though, begs the question: what about Cheslin Kolbe?
There have been rumours that the Little One might leave the Stormers.
How many times has he gone down with concussions last season? Surely that can’t be good for him.
Overplayed is a word that comes to mind and if the Stormers can rotate their squad successfully this season, they might see less injuries toward the end of the term.
Back to Marais, while he has been rated highly in the past, and while he has the ability to slaan ‘n gap, he is not the superstar signing fans probably wanted.
That should have happened in the No.6 jumper.
Last season, coach Robbie Fleck and his brasse tried almal in that position.
No one really stood out. But they believe Stefan de Wit – signed from the Golden Lions – can be that ou.
Look, they have unnamed ryk manne running the show now and if they wanted to get the belief back in the franchise, a big-name signing would have done the job.
Nothing would say there is a new sheriff in town better than signing the likes of Heinrich Brussow or Francois Louw.
The breakdown battle has determined a number of games in recent years and having an out-and-out fetcher in your squad is a necessity.
I was actually quite shocked that they let Chris Cloete go so easily last year.
Anyway, Gert Smal and company also added Pieter-Steph du Toit’s brother, Johan, to their roster.
Not as big as his brother, Johan is said to bring some versatility to the backrow.
With Siya Kolisi, Nizaam Carr, Sikhumbuzo Notshe and a bunch of upcoming youngsters already at the franchise, I’m not sure if buying two rookie flankers was the way to go.
Dan Kriel, Bok star Jesse’s brother, and Ramone Samuels, a hooker from the Lions, complete the new signings.
Are these five men going to boost the Stormers to their first Super Rugby title, or should Smal and company shop around a little more?