Springbok backline and skills coach Mzwandile Stick has backed Southern Kings winger Yaw Penxe to secure a move to one of the four big franchise teams in the near future.
Penxe’s fate is currently intertwined with Eastern Province Rugby after SA Rugby liquidated the former Super Rugby and Pro14 franchise, the Kings.
Stick backs Kings wing for big move
The wing put in a good shift in a game where the wingers were primarily in the game only when the ball went to boot. Penxe showed himself to be good under the high ball; an area considered one of South African rugby’s weak spots.
“If I was a coach somewhere, I will take that opportunity to bring him [Penxe] into my team,” Stick said in the post-match press conference.
“I’ve worked with him since he was 19 when I coached at the Kings and I’ve also coached him at the Baby Boks in 2017. I know he is a player with great potential. You could see under the high balls he was very aggressive.
“I will be surprised if Yaw, in two weeks’ time, will still be in PE. Probably a lot of teams will be after him now.
“I am actually happy for him now because once again they [Kings players] are going through tough times.”
Stick bemoaned the situation in Eastern Province rugby, which was where he made his big breakthrough as a player.
“What is happening in PE is not nice to see. I also have a soft spot for EP [Eastern Province]. I am who I am today because of them. They gave me that opportunity so, once again I will be happy to see Yaw getting an opportunity and getting invited by one of the top teams in South Africa.”
Where to for Penxe
None of the franchises have expressed interest in Kings winger Penxe but after the Springbok showdown he may have a few calls to take this coming week.
Super Rugby Unlocked begins next week and there is still a chance that the Bulls, Lions, Sharks or Stormers could go in for Penxe and failing that he would be a great addition to the Cheetahs, Pumas or Griquas teams that will join them for the seven team tournament.
The Sharks style of play probably represents the best match for Penxe and the men from Durban could use some reinforcement out wide after a string of injuries.
