Elstadt back with a bang

Having recovered from an early-season injury, Rynhardt Elstadt is relishing the opportunity to make his presence felt for the DHL Stormers.

The hard-working utility forward first made his name at lock for the DHL Stormers back in 2011, and since returning from a groin injury sustained in a pre-season match against the Jaguares he has returned in that role in 2016.

The DHL Stormers enforcer is hopeful that his injury woes are firmly behind him so that he can focus on producing results on the pitch.

“I hope it’s the end of the injuries. But rugby is that type of game – you don’t ask for injuries, they just come like a thief in the night. But hopefully I can finish the season injury-free,” he said.

Both Elstadt and cenntre Damian de Allende made their comebacks from injury at the same time, and the DHL Stormers enforcer is grateful for the way they were phased back in by the coaching staff.

“It’s been really good to be back on the field. I think they (the coaches) have eased Damian (de Allende) and I very well into the starting lineup, to come back and get confidence.

“After the weekend’s first starts for both of us, I felt really strong, but not really where I want to be. But every week I will progress, and hopefully from there we can take it further,” he added.

Now in his sixth Vodacom Super Rugby season with the DHL Stormers, Elstadt is excited about the direction the team is headed this year.

“I have been in many campaigns, a few semifinals where we haven’t been able to pull it through. The difference is that we have a very young team.

“They are playing the type of rugby that is fearless, they just want to get the ball and run with it! There is a lot of excitement in the group, and they are helping each other. The one player is just trying to make the other one become a better player.

“So for me it’s quite a nice challenge, playing with youngsters coming through who want to actually play and make things happen, creating something out of nothing,” he added.