Stormers go 'big' against Bulls
The Stormers are ready to tackle the defending Super 14 champions, the Bulls, head on in their season opener at Newlands on Saturday.
The Stormers are ready to tackle the defending Super 14 champions, the Bulls, head on in their season opener at Newlands on Saturday.
Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus has selected four locks in his squad for Saturday's clash – making it clear he is targeting what has always been the Bulls' strength – the line-outs and their beefy pack.
Andries Bekker and Francois van der Merwe will start in the Stormers' second row, while Ross Skeate and Adriaan Fondse, who transferred from the Bulls, will provide back-up from the bench.
Erasmus admitted that in naming four locks in the matchday 22 he is looking to change the Stormers set-up.
It means he does not have a specialist flank on the bench.
However, Erasmus already has a contingency plan.
“Guys like Ross [Skeate] and Andries Bekker are fairly confident about covering the flank position,” Erasmus said, adding that he does have other options.
“If it comes to it, Schalk Brits can also cover loose forward.”
The rest of the team doesn't contain any surprises, although some eyebrows might be raised over the selection of Luke Watson at No.8.
However, the Stormers coach is adamant that Watson has what it takes it become a “great” No.8 in the future.
The Stormers are looking forward to their traditional Super 14 opener against South African opposition.
Erasmus said he was pleased with his team's opening fixture, facing the defending champions in Round One.
“It's quite funny and ironic, but we couldn't have asked for a better start from a South African perspective,” said Erasmus.
“There's a nice attitude all over – we're pretty confident, and they [the Bulls] are pretty confident, so there seems to be a nice hype around the game, which is good.”
Stormers: 15 Gio Aplon, 14 Tonderai Chavhanga, 13 Gcobani Bobo, 12 Jean de Villiers (captain), 11 Sireli Naqelevuki, 10 Peter Grant, 9 Ricky Januarie, 8 Luke Watson, 7 Francois Louw, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Andries Bekker, 4 Francois van der Merwe, 3 Brian Mujati, 2 Tiaan Liebenberg, 1 JD Moller.
Replacements: 16 Schalk Brits, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Adriaan Fondse, 19 Ross Skeate, 20 Bolla Conradie, 21 Joe Pietersen, 22 Dylan des Fountain.
Date: Saturday, 16 February
Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
Kick-off: 17.00 (15.00 GMT)
Referee: Willie Roos (South Africa)
Touch judges: Jaco Peyper (South Africa), Linston Manuels (South Africa)
Television match official: Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)
Assessor: Dennis Immelman (South Africa)
Performance auditor: Ian Scotney (Australia)
By Phil Coetzer