Emirates Lions coach Jaque Fourie has lifted the lid on the sudden loss of form of last season’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship Player of the year Sanele Nohamba, but backed him to rediscover said form as soon as possible.
Nohamba, who was a revelation at 9 and 10 for the Lions, so much so that he captured the overall trophy last year, has started just two matches this season and has taken a dip in form, often appearing on the bench or not at all in the match 23.
But Fourie revealed the player had been struggling with the death of his father, Eric, and this, rather than rumours of unhappiness at being passed over by the national squad, was the reason for his recent struggles.
“We have to pick the best team every week. Those are the standards we set,” Fourie explained.
“He has been going through a very difficult time, we believe he can get through this and come out stronger in the end.
“The games that he has played, he hasn’t met our standards. We have lots of guys pushing for positions, and we want to pick the best quality team for every match. He needs to get back to the old Sanele we know is there.”
Fourie backed Nohamba to re-find his old form.
“We all know the calibre of player Sanele Nohamba is. Since his father passed away, it’s been a difficult time for him. We can all see with the way he has been on the field that he is not currently playing like the Sanele from last season.
Nohamba’s form gave the Lions 135 points last season as he dominated proceedings and was the player that often turned their fortunes around.
It is expected that Nohamba won’t start against the Stormers, with Springbok Morne van den Berg, who has revelled since being called up to the national squad, and Nico Steyn, who can also play 9 and 10, and who captained the side against the Ospreys, likely to get the nod.