'Desperate' Senatla on 'right trajectory' to reach new heights with Stormers

When Seabelo Senatla signed a two-year contract extension with Western Province in April last year, it was the first time in his professional career that he had severed any ties to Sevens rugby.

Before that, his contract with the Cape Town-based union had allowed him to play a certain amount of Blitzboks rugby each year, and because of his status as an all-time great of international Sevens, that was always a possibility.

Senatla has been chasing the 15s dream ever since Allister Coetzee was in charge at the Stormers back in 2014 and 2015, but it was far from a smooth transition.

In those early days of Super Rugby, Senatla naturally struggled to make the explosive impact we were so used to seeing on the Sevens circuit.

Limited space and opportunity, of course, were key factors, but Senatla was also tested defensively and in his command of the high ball, and it all contributed towards a largely frustrating period for the now-28-year-old.

In the more recent John Dobson years, however, Senatla's frustrations have centred more around a lack of consistent playing time.

Injuries, the Covid-19 pandemic, the odd Sevens stint and even suspension have all contributed towards a period in Senatla's development littered with hurdles, not of his making.

It was thus pleasing to see exactly what Senatla can offer on this stage on Saturday.

In a tight match against the Sharks where scoring opportunities were few and far between, it was Senatla who broke the game open in the 37th minute, receiving the ball down the left flank before kicking ahead and using his pace to gather and score.

It wasn't the most spectacular try you will ever see, but it was an example of what Senatla can do and perhaps why he has been backed for so long by the