Stormers captain Siya Kolisi has hinted that he would like to switch from openside flank to the blindside flank.
As a No.6, Kolisi has been tasked with hitting rucks and getting to the point of breakdown first.
But it’s as a ball-carrier - a role more associated with a blindside flanker - that he is at his best.
This past weekend in their 35-8 win over the Jaguares at Newlands, Kolisi was given a bit more freedom to play his natural game.
He popped up out wide to carry the ball on occasion and was busy throughout the match, also scoring a try for his team.
CARRIES: Damian de Allende. Photo: Backpagepix
In fact, Kolisi made the most metres with ball in hand of all the Stormers (52) in that match, he had 10 ball carries - only two less than Damian de Allende in pole position - and also beat the joint most defenders in the team (3).
It’s clear that the Bok captain is at his best when he is given freedom to play his natural game.
Kolisi seems to agree and says of his form to date this year: “I think I’ve been going oraait.
“I’ve obviously been doing what’s needed of me.
“[Against the Jaguares] I got a lot of opportunities with ball in hand and I really enjoyed it.
“I always speak to [the] coach and whatever I’m needed to do, I’ll do it.
“It doesn’t matter if I’m happy with it or not - like if I have to clean all day long, I will clean all day long.
“[Against the Jaguares] I got more opportunity with the ball and I enjoyed that.”
ESTABLISHED: Pieter-Steph du Toit. Photo: Bakcpagepix
With South Africa thin on natural fetchers, Kolisi has been switched from blindside flank to openside flank both at domestic and international level.
Teammate Pieter-Steph du Toit enjoyed a superb year in 2018 after switching from lock to blindside flank, meaning Kolisi will probably not revert back to the No.7 jumper soon.
DECISION: Coach Robbie Fleck. Photo: Supplied
But he will be looking to run wild again when the Stormers face the Hurricanes at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington in their first overseas match of the season on Saturday even if it’s with the No.6 on his back.