Stormers defence coach Norman Laker said at a media opportunity on Monday, following a fourth man of the match award against Leicester Tigers on Saturday, that Paul De Villiers’ growth has been driven as much off the field as on it.
“As the season has gone on, we’ve got to know each other a lot better, and he understands the system now. He is a clever guy, and it makes our defensive sets easier when you’ve got someone who can either steal the ball or slow the breakdown.”
“One thing Paulie is doing really well at the moment is making good decisions,” he said. “His turnover-to-penalty ratio is much better than it was in the past. I’m really happy for him, because when he’s doing well, the team is doing well.”
“He doesn’t go onto the field just thinking, ‘I’m going to steal this ball. The homework he does off the field is phenomenal, the video work, the questions he asks during the week. It’s like studying for university. He studies every part of the game: set-piece, breakdowns, where opportunities might come for him and the team.”