By Adnaan Mohamed
Hacjivah Dayimani is making a compelling case for greater recognition after back-to-back Man of the Match performances for the Stormers.
The loose forward scored twice in the 39-22 URC derby victory over the Sharks, showcasing his growing physicality, leadership and versatility.
With 43,000 supporters roaring beneath the shadow of Table Mountain, the 28-year-old diamond in the Stormers’ pack glittered brighter than the opposition’s star-studded Springboks as the hosts revived their famous Men in Black swagger.
The Sharks arrived unbeaten and loaded with heavyweight international firepower. They left nursing a bruising defeat, their coastal rivals having turned the scrum into a Cape Town battering ram.
While the return of several Springboks dominated the pre-match chatter, it was the Stormers’ collective muscle that stole the show. Wilco Louw, André-Hugo Venter and Ntuthuko Mchunu gave Thomas du Toit, Eduan Swart and Ox Nche a torrid afternoon in the front row.
Behind that demolition crew, Dayimani, Siya Kolisi and Paul de Villiers hunted at the breakdown like hungry predators.
Dayimani supplied the glitter.
He powered over from a maul in the 36th minute before crossing again after the interval, helping the Stormers build a commanding advantage and ultimately secure a bonus-point victory. Seabelo Senatla, Venter, Leolin Zas and JJ Kotzé also crossed the whitewash as the hosts avenged last season’s back-to-back derby defeats.
For Stormers director of rugby John Dobson, Dayimani’s growing influence has become impossible to overlook.
“We have a players’ Man of the Match, which always differs from what SuperSport comes up with. In the first two games, Hacjivah was a convincing winner,” Dobson said.
The coach believes the forward has added precious steel to his trademark sparkle.
“What’s changed about Hacjivah is his stopping power; I don’t know whether it’s because he’s decided what the gym is or because he’s got more determined.”
Dobson also praised Dayimani’s leadership, revealing that he has taken charge during training sessions involving the Currie Cup players.
That is music to the ears of Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, who values players capable of covering multiple positions.
Dayimani has started three consecutive matches at No 8, can operate across the back row and has even played on the wing, including against the All Blacks. His experience with French club Racing 92 also adds versatility to his rugby résumé.
“He’s metamorphosised,” Dobson said.
“At 28 years old and when you talk about hybrids, a guy who can run 10.80 and has stopping power has got to be in anybody’s [selection] frame eventually.”
There is, however, a catch in this tale of glittering ambition.
Dobson insists Dayimani must maintain his current standards over an entire season, acknowledging that previous flashes of brilliance have not always developed into sustained excellence.
“He’s had flashes of brilliance. He needs to build a proper innings. He’s just at the start of it. If he carries on like this, I’ve got no doubt about it.”
Those words should ring in Dayimani’s ears louder than Saturday’s thunderous applause.
The Stormers star has the speed, the flair and, increasingly, the muscle to make a compelling case. His challenge is to turn dazzling cameos into a season-long exhibition of consistency.
The Springbok jersey remains the prize, and competition for places is fierce. Yet another performance of this calibre will make it harder for the selectors to ignore the diamond shining in black.
Dayimani has struck gold in the opening rounds. Now he must keep mining his rich vein of form.
The sparkle is undeniable. The real test is whether this diamond can shine long enough to earn its green-and-gold setting.
STORMERS – Tries: Seabelo Senatla, Hacjivah Dayimani (2), André-Hugo Venter, Leolin Zas, JJ Kotzé. Conversions: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (3). Penalty: Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
SHARKS – Tries: Manu Tshituka, Matt Romao, Phepsi Buthelezi. Conversions: Gianni Lombard (2). Penalty: Lombard.