Five of the best Dillyn Leyds moments
You've probably seen his behind-the-back offload already, but the Stormers utility has always had a knack for outrageous highlight reel plays.
One surefire measure of a person’s success (or complete lack thereof) these days is the ability to go viral. Stormers utility back Dillyn Leyds did that last week with a play that managed to outshine the team try of the year scored in the same game.
But Leyds is no one-trick pony. The 24-year-old has been lighting it up for the last few seasons, despite being on a Stormers team whose gameplans have until this season been a pretty good cure for insomnia. Here’s some more from South Africa’s latest must-watch player:
He can chip, and he can chase: Some pretty slick skill here from the winger, putting in a chip and chase that Beauden Barrett would be proud of. Ultimately it was the home side’s only try against last year’s finalists, who went on to win. Still, sweet try.
Try of the year in 2015: What do you do when you almost get cleaned out catching a bomb? Burn 60 metres upfield and score. Leyds clapped on the pace against the Blues here, scoring a sensational try that helped the home team to a comfortable victory.
THAT offload: If you have access to social media, you’ve seen this already. Probably a few times, but it’s worth watching a few more. While Leyds’ pass is spectacular, spare a thought for teammate Cheslin Kolbie. His improvised grubber while getting head-high tackled deserves some credit too.
Beating New Zealand: Leyds hasn’t made the Springboks yet, but has worn the dark green rep jersey before. He helped the South African U20 team to a historic win over New Zealand in the 2012 final, which was the first time anyone had beaten the boys in black in the five-year history of the tournament.
Even when he doesn’t score, he scores: When you get up shaking your head, waving your arms and generally being so disappointed you tell the ref not to waste his time going upstairs, you probably shouldn’t be awarded a try. Not Leyds last year against the Brumbies though. He's so good he fooled himself into thinking he’d botched it. To be fair, this was a pretty touch and go TMO call.
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It certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
Go to commentsHis best years were 2018 and he wasn't good enough to win the World Cup in 2023! (Although he was voted as the best player in the world in 2023)
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