Leyds on THAT magic offload at DHL Newlands
Dillyn Leyds says that he saw SP Marais’ boots out of the corner of his eye before he flicked that magical offload at DHL Newlands on Saturday.
Early on in the second half of their clash with the Chiefs, the DHL Stormers found themselves defending in their own 22 before Cheslin Kolbe made a vital intercept and hacked the ball ahead.
Leyds got to the ball first and then was tackled before producing a spectacular flick out the back of his hand behind his back which picked out the onrushing Marais who charged over for a memorable try which brought DHL Newlands to its feet.
Leyds says that as he went down to ground he caught a flash of Marais’ unmistakeable green boots and decided to back himself, with breathtaking results.
“When Chessie kicked it, I saw there was a flank chasing after it, so I knew I could back my pace and get to the ball before him.
“I didn’t realise there was anyone behind me or close by, but I got ankle-tapped and while I was falling I looked back to see if there was anyone coming that I could pop the ball to and in that second I turned to look back I saw SP out the corner of my eye.
“I saw his boots because we use the same green boots and in that moment I knew that if I could try to get the ball to him he would go on and score.
“I think it was just in the heat of the moment, I thought I could get it to him and backed myself, but nine times out of ten you probably won’t hit it, but luckily it was that one time and it hit him in the chest and he ran on to score,” Leyds revealed.
Is this the offload of the season?#STOvCHI pic.twitter.com/RaPXE8Qmfx
— Super Rugby (@SuperRugbyNZ) April 8, 2017
The DHL Stormers utility back admitted that he would probably have some trouble replicating that pass, if he is ever in a position to do so again.
“We watch clips of guys doing crazy things all the time and luckily it worked for me and I pulled it off, but I don’t think I will be trying it again anytime soon,” he said.
However, the DHL Stormers have been working hard on their skills and handling under the watch of assistant coach Paul Feeney, which is clearly paying off.
“It shows how far we have come as a team and as individuals, my offload was one of many we have got away this season.
“I joked with EW Viljoen last week and said that he had seven carries but he had 24 offloads. He has been doing it all season, it is something that we have been working on and it is paying off,” said Leyds.
However, with just six games under their belt neither Leyds or his DHL Stormers teammates are getting too carried away, as they know there is a tough road ahead.
“We have got a long season ahead still so we have are not getting ahead of ourselves,” he said.
