Seabelo Senatla’s backflip and Stormers’ power make for a perfect ‘Men in Black’ tribute

Their scrum put the Sharks under pressure, their rolling maul proved almost unstoppable, and their backs provided the finishing touches to some brilliant tries. Three tries came from driving mauls, while Senatla’s opening score, complete with a backflip reminiscent of former Stormers and Springbok wing Breyton Paulse, added a touch of nostalgia to the occasion.

Paulse, who was on commentary duty next to the field, also lapped up Senatla’s acrobatics.

“I don’t even think he plans his outfits, you know. So that was probably a spur-of-the-moment thing. But knowing Seabelo, he probably thought, ‘If I score today, let me do something like that’,” Nel said about Senatla’s celebration.

“I’m just happy because he had both knees strapped and still went for a backflip. (It’s) probably not the best decision-making to fly off like that! But, yeah, a really cool moment.”

A link between Stormers eras

For Nel, the performance captured exactly what the jersey represents: a connection between the Stormers’ rich history and the rugby their supporters want to see in the modern game.

He added that the team’s identity had been shaped by generations of great players, with the original ‘Men in Black’ era embodying the bold, attacking style of rugby that remains close to the hearts of their supporters.

“If you can take that style and blend it with the modern game, with your set pieces like the mauls and scrums, and your strong defensive systems, you’re actually sitting with something really beautiful.”

Nel said having club legend Corné Krige, captain of the 1999 side, involved in handing out the jerseys before Saturday’s match made the occasion even more meaningful. Krige is a hero to many of the players who pulled the jersey over their heads against the Sharks, and according to Nel, having him hand out the jerseys meant a lot to them.

“To do them justice, and to do the occasion and the jersey justice, is quite special for the team.”