Lions coach Dick Muir may have an unleashed the next Springbok wing.
In naming his side for the Lions first Super 14 encounter this season against the Stormers, Muir has surprised us all by naming Wandile Mjekevu in the starting lineup on the right wing.
Whilst there were two other surprises by Muir in picking Hannes Franklin from the Pumas at hooker, and Jaques Lombard at lock, it was Mjekuvu at wing that raised the most eyebrows.
Muir has described the 19 year old Mjekuvu as a future Springbok. He is a South African schools winger, and has taken his chances so far to impress Muir.
Muir had this to say about the young talent, “One of the things you realise as a coach in the Super 14 is that you have to play it with potential future Springboks. He’s been showing the potential to take that step up. He is still very young, a bit fragile still, but certainly I believe he is the right man for the job taking us through the season.”
“We certainly wouldn’t have chosen him if we didn’t think his head was strong enough. He certainly has what we are looking for from a potential perspective, and yes, I think he is certainly ready for it” said Muir.
It’s a great attitude from Muir, and shows he will not be adopting the conservative attitude this year. Winners take chances, back themselves and are usually rewarded for being bold.
I can’t wait to see what young Mjekuvu can do. As Springbok backline coach, Muir could have a great influence in Mjekuvu rising to be the next Springbok wing. It may not be this season, but I wouldn’t count against it in the near future!
