And so we move on to the backs, but before we do, some housekeeping and a summary of what has happened through player movements at Stormers HQ from the 2012 to the 2013 season.

Amongst the forwards, we have seen the arrival of Pat Cilliers and Michael Rhodes from the Golden Lions. Halfway through the 2012 season when the team was run ragged with injuries amongst the loosies, Jeb Sinclair was drafted in from London Irish. He stayed on for some of the WP season, but has now returned to London Irish.

We say good bye to Quin Roux (Leinster), Nick Fenton-Wells (Saracans), Tyrone Holmes (Colomiers – US) and Nick Koster (Bath).

Amongst the backs, we welcome Elton Jantjies and Jaco Taute – both on loan from the Golden Lions, and say adios to Burton Francis (SWD Eagles) and Danie Poolman (Connaught).

Right, back to the Scrummies. I remeber a comment by one of our favourite bloggers (in fact, with the only comment last year), Loosehead, whose comment went something like – “Bolla Conradie… ROTFLMFAO!” Well, if nothing else, we can thank the heirachy in the Stormers camp, who saw the light, and decided not to include him again. With no more scrumhalves coming through, or no more brought in, we are left with Dewaldt Duvenhage, Louis Schreuder and Nic Groom (who didn’t play any games for the Stormers in 2012). Lets hope that the injury goblin doesn’t rear it’s ugly head in this department!

So without further ado, I give you….

Contenders:

Dewaldt Otto Duvenage

HEIGHT 173 cm

WEIGHT 78 Kg

BIRTH DATE 22 May 1988 – Age 24

DHL Stormers Vodacom Super Rugby – 2009

Scrum-half

Dewaldt reached his 50th cap for the Stormers during the 2012 season, and it was hardly noticed by anyone. One of the most underrated scrummies in the South African set-up, he has been on the fringes of Bok rugby, without actually having made it into the starting line up. A very good tactical  – and place kicker, Duvenhage is the No1 Scrumhalf in the Stormers camp.

A broken leg in the Blue Bulls match in September ruled him out of the rest of the season, as well as any chance of Bok call-up. He will continue where he left off in 2013, no doubt.

Nic Groom

HEIGHT 171 cm

WEIGHT 93 Kg

BIRTH DATE 21 February 1990- Age 22

DHL Stormers Vodacom Super Rugby – 2011

Scrum-half

Didn’t get to play any matches for the Stormers in 2012, but Duvenhages injury late in the season opened the door for this young player, who made a big impact when he came into the team. A player with a lightening quick and accurate pass, as well good and speedy decision making, Nic offers something the Stormers have, perhaps, been lacking over the last few seasons.

He was rotated with Louis Schreuder for the rest of the season, and now that we have seen what he has to offer, he will, no doubt, make a huge impact in the Stormers squad for the 2013 season.

Louis Schreuder

HEIGHT 184 cm

WEIGHT 82 Kg

BIRTH DATE 25 April 1990 – Age 22

DHL Stormers Vodacom Super Rugby – 2011

Scrum-half

A very talented rugby player who is quick to the break down, and a good service, if, but for a second step sometimes that does slow him down, he has represented SA at the IRB U21 World Cupand has huge ability, and a great boot. Again a good visionary and reader of the game. Louis played second fiddle to Duvenhage for much of the season, but still young enough to make a major impact with in the Stormers squad. He will, no doubt battle for the second spot with Nic Groom, but I am sure that with a decent rotational system in place for the 2013 season – much required if we are to curb the sustained increase in injuries with all the top flight rugby – there will be plenty of game time for him as well as Nic Groom.