Dynamic Dayimani’s Stormers career revival: 'It's quite beautiful that Hacjivah found himself'

Flank forward Hacjivah Dayimani might be on the most notoriously trendy post-championship celebration, but he’s one of the Stormers players who’ve had plenty of reason to cheer following their United Rugby Championship (URC) win last weekend.

Dayimani completed a spectacular career turnaround at the Stormers, who he joined from the Lions, the province that brought him to the fore, last year.

The 24-year-old made his mark as a fleet-footed link player but lacked the combustible confrontational nature that makes South African coaches salivate. His dynamism wore thin when many started expecting Duane-ism in contact.

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The Lions resorted to bringing Jaco Kriel back, hoping the hard-running Springbok would replicate the form that took them to three straight Super Rugby finals. 

Dayimani, meanwhile, was even touted for a spell in the backline, a shift to wing he didn’t quite fancy.

But his return to his birthplace in Cape Town has reignited a spirit and verve not seen since he broke through as far back as 2017.

Not only did his acceleration with the ball return its old torque, but he also became an incredible lineout option, a powerful weapon that was scarcely exploited in his time in Johannesburg.

His natural athleticism allowed him to get a spring on other jumpers and leap, almost basketball player like in a lineout, past opponents to snatch the ball.

Player-driven environment

His Stormers forwards coach Rito Hlungwani said the shared responsibility environment allowed the players to contrive solutions on how to best use Hacjivah, with former Lions and current Springbok lock Marvin Orie at the brains.

"It was quite beautiful that