Stormers not the perfect 10

Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus has admitted that his squad is struggling somewhat with depth in the flyhalf position.

Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus has admitted that his squad is struggling somewhat with depth in the flyhalf position.

The Stormers coach selected Peter Grant at No.10 for his team's opening Super 14 match, against defending champion Bulls at Newlands on Saturday.

But an injury to Grant could upset the apple cart, as he is currently the only available specialist pivot in the Stormers squad, after Isma-eel Dollie picked up an injury during a pre-season match against the University of Cape Town (UCT).

Erasmus revealed his contingency plan at the Stormers' team announcement on Wednesday, admitting that he felt the No.10 position was proving problematic for now.

“For this specific game, we have Joe Pietersen [as back-up flyhalf], because Isma-eel Dollie is obviously injured,” said Erasmus.

“Lucky for us, we did train a lot with Joe [Pietersen] at 10, while Isma-eel was still here as well.

“Isma-eel is on his way back from injury, and hopefully we can consider him for the tour [to Australasia in March], which is only in two or three weeks' time,” he continued.

The Stormers are still awaiting the arrival of former All Black flyhalf Tony Brown, who is scheduled to join the Cape Town franchise in March. Brown is currently completing his playing commitments with Sanyo Wild Knights in Japan.

This will mean that the Stormers will have to survive on their current personnel for the time being, a situation that could potentially cause headaches for the coaching staff.

“It is true, we are a bit worried if we get one or two injuries there, but the moment Tony [Brown] is here, we'll feel better,” concluded Erasmus.

By Phil Coetzer