TRUTH BE TOLD

I present to you JP du Plessis 

I was in talks with Baylion when he told me that JP du Plessis was back at WP. Some of you will remember JP from last year’s Super15, where he was strangely signed by new Australian team, the Melbourne Rebels. He was 19 at the time, and he didn’t get much gametime in his first season, playing in only their pre season games(I believe).  He was signed as a winger, although he played most of his non-professional rugby at centre(either inside or outisde). Currently at 20yrs Old, he is back in Cape Town and was part of WP U-21 side, 2012 will most likely see him pushing for a spot in the Super rugby squad. 

JP is a strong running, stepping centre, but I guess like most strong running centres are, he’s a little on the selfish side, which may have led to his move to the wing. Many tipped him as a definite future Springbok after his SA U-18 performances.

Here’s a look at what he does on the rugby field. 

There has been quite a bit of talk this morning about WP management, and players that have come and gone. I feel the time has come for WP & Stormers management to show some faith in the youngsters available, personally I’m not in favor of bringing back either Grant or Fourie. I also doubt signing older players for the sake of experience is the way forward. We’ve seen a bit of Timo Swiel recently, and many felt this kid is a sure future star, I was rightfully reminded he’s only 18 though, and Super rugby is a huge step-up. I however feel players like Pat Lambie and Jaco Taute in recent times have confirmed that there is no age restriction on readiness, they proved the old saying of if you’re good enough your old enough true. 

I feel with limted experienced cover at centre, wing, Fly half, fullback and Scrum half at the Stormers, management should finally decide whether we in fact have a tendency to sign “has-beens” or whether we’ll for once leave the conservativeness at home and give opportunity to the deserving young talent we have in such abundance in the mother city. 

The fact that the Rebels were willing to invest in JP du Plessis and have him in their Super rugby squad is evidence enough to convince me he’s a real prospect. JP spent some time at Australian league team the Sydney Roosters before signing with the Rebels. His time in Australia will have given him valuable experience. 

Will the long 2012 season see youngsters such as Nizaam Carr, Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Timo Swiel, Steven Kitshoff, Demetri Catrakilis, Gary van Aswegen, Nick Groom and JP du Plessis finally get some deserved game time or will we also see these talented youngsters departing after another frustrating season of watching the action from the stands?