Stormers coach John Dobson says hooker Lukhanyo “Boepa” Vokozela has earned his first start for Sunday’s Investec Champions Cup clash against Harlequins.
Vokozela, who has impressed off the bench in recent weeks, will scrum down between Oli Kebble – who earns his 50th Stormers cap – and Springbok tighthead Zachary Porthen at the Twickenham Stoop.
The 23-year-old Vokozela is one of several new faces among old heads for the clash in London.
TEAM: Stormers ring changes for Quins clash
Dobson said the coaching staff considered a more conservative option in veteran Scarra Ntubeni but felt the young hooker deserved the opportunity, especially after he came on against the Vodacom Bulls at a sold-out Cape Town Stadium and was instrumental in helping the home side secure a win.
“We trusted him to finish a tight game against the Bulls, and we could have gone safer this week,” he said. “But we felt this guy deserves it. He’s an important part of our future.
“There are two parts to Lukhanyo’s story. One is his own journey – where he comes from in Khayelitsha, the gang violence he’s experienced, his education, his whole background. It’s an amazing story.”
ALSO: Cape Town pitch puts Stormers lock in hospital
Dobson explained that the former Rondebosch Boys’ High pupil’s progress was delayed after success with the Junior Boks, largely due to circumstances beyond his control.
“After WP U21 and SA U20, he faltered a bit with injuries and off-the-field issues,” Dobson said. “And when I say off the field, I don’t mean misbehaviour – his circumstances were just incredibly tough.”
Now fit and settled, Dobson believes the young hooker is consistently producing at the level required.
“He’s really intense. We actually have to dial him down at training,” Dobson said with a smile. “He’s an angry little man, and he’s brilliant. We wanted to give him a run and he hasn’t let us down.”
Dobson said Vokozela’s contribution goes well beyond physicality.
“[Against the Bulls] I knew he’d be physical, clean, carry hard and smash people. What’s really delighted me is his confidence in the set-piece. He’s scrumming brilliantly and his throwing has come on a lot.”
DOBBO: Desperate teams the most dangerous
He highlighted a moment late in the win over the Bulls as a snapshot of Vokozela’s value and game impact.
“After a lineout where the ball popped loose and got hacked through, he’d just thrown in, checked the ball, and he was the first forward there to clean after a 60 or 70m chase. That tells you a lot.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
