Cape Town - He’s just 22-years-old, but Dillyn Leyds is making waves.
The Stormers wing scored twice in Saturday’s 31-15 win over the Rebels at Newlands, taking his season tally to five in 12 appearances so far. That statistic is perhaps not earthshattering, but when one considers the Stormers’ lack of depth at wing for much of the campaign then Leyds’ dependability makes him even more valuable.
And while it is on the wing where he has played his rugby this season, it is at flyhalf where he sees his future. And he isn’t the only one. The official SANZAR website has Leyds listed as a flyhalf, and Stormers backline coach Robbie Fleck acknowledged this week that there had been discussions over the possibility of Leyds playing at 10.
“He’s such an influential part of the way that we want to attack. He brings a different dynamic there; he’s got a good pass and he likes to attack the line,” said Fleck.
“Certainly we’ve considered him playing at 10 … there just hasn’t been an opportunity for him. Both our 10s haven’t been injured and they’ve been playing consistently well … his opportunity will come.”
Leyds acknowledged that playing at flyhalf was still something he thought about, but that it wasn’t a priority right now.
“Obviously it’s still one of my goals to play at flyhalf but at the moment I’m just happy to be playing in the team,” he said.
“With guys Kobus van Wyk, Seabelo (Senatla), Johnny Kotze … guys that have done well all season it’s a tough, tough competition in the back three. So I’m just happy to still be in my spot.
“If it does so happen that I get my opportunity whenever it comes, I still like to think I can play at flyhalf and hopefully one day it’ll come.”
For now, though, Leyds will focus on continuing his good form with another good display against the Cheetahs at Newlands on Saturday.
Kick-off in that match is at 17:05.