Sport Rugby

WHY DAYIMANI’S STORMERS RETURN IS CRUCIAL

The return of Hacjivah Dayimani could be the solution the Stormers’ ailing attack needs, as the speedy loose forward is tipped for an imminent return to Cape Town after a spell in France

Leighton Koopman|Published

IS MISSED: Hacjivah Dayimani

Image: Backpagepix

THE return of Hacjivah Dayimani could be the solution the Stormers’ ailing attack needs, as the speedy loose forward is tipped for an imminent return to Cape Town after a spell in France.

Racing 92 confirmed his departure on Wednesday, thanking the South African for his service to the club, saying it was a mutual agreement to terminate his contract early.

Dayimani (28) is set for a spectacular comeback to Cape Town Stadium – the venue where he helped the Stormers secure the inaugural United Rugby Championship (URC) title – and the Kapenaars might need him more than they realise.

Apart from dealing with a mini lock crisis at the moment, the John Dobson-coached outfit’s attack is not firing as it once did.

Dayimani played a moerse role in the team’s transition and counter-attacking threat, and his presence could reignite that spark.

While there have been some entertaining victories – such as the 35-0 pak slae of Leinster in the Mother City and the 34-0 win over Scarlets in Wales – the Stormers’ try-scoring exploits have dried up in recent weeks, particularly in the losing double-header against the Sharks.

They face a real uphill battle to revive their attacking prowess, and the availability of Dayimani could help turn things around.

They are still third on the URC log, so it is not all doom and gloom.

That said, they will have to find a solution over the next two weeks to address recent concerns, particularly their inability to score four or more tries in their URC derbies.

The Kaapse span will be desperate to turn things around soon, starting with the clash against the Lions in Johannesburg on 28 February.

Ellis Park is a well-known hunting ground for Dayimani, and he could be the player they turn to in order to revive their attacking fortunes.

Fixing their stuttering attack would be a strong first step – and the gevaalike loose forward could hold the key.

An announcement on Dayimani potentially rejoining the Stormers is yet to be made.