The Stormers have no major injury concerns in their camp this week, as they get set to host the Blues at Newlands on Saturday (17:05 SA Time).
The men from the Cape opened their 2015 Super Rugby campaign with a memorable 29 / 17 win over the Bulls in Pretoria and they could be boosted this week by the return of forwards Frans Malherbe and Siya Kolisi and wing Kobus van Wyk.
The trio missed the trip to Pretoria, but more will be known about their participation in Round 2 when the team is announced on Thursday, just before lunch-time.
“It’s a healthy situation for us, but these players need to work hard in order to make the team,” Coetzee told the Stormers’ official website.
“First and foremost, however, they need to be 100% physically in a position to produce the goods. We know their capabilities – that’s certainly not in question.”
Preparing to face the Blues this weekend, Coetzee warned: “If you’re arrogant (in this tournament) you will be cut down to size quickly. It’s just one game (that we’ve played)… Just like you cannot be judged on 1 poor performance you cannot be judged on 1 good performance. However, what is important is to have belief and to build on that belief.
“We have a good record here (at Newlands) and it is something we would like to keep intact. We have a lot pride when it comes to our home record and we would certainly like to start our home campaign on a good note.”
The full Stormers injury report on Monday:
- There are no casualties from the weekend. Lock Jean Kleyn is a bit tight from the Bulls game. He was substituted in the 41st minute in order not to over-extend him in his first start of 2015, as was fellow lock Ruan Botha who played until the 49th minute.
- Wing Kobus van Wyk (calf muscle) trained in a controlled environment on Monday. More will be known about his participation on Saturday later in the week (by Thursday).
- Flank Michael Rhodes and backs Dillyn Leyds and Cheslin Kolbe did not take part in training on Monday as part of their management – neither are in any selection doubt for this week.
- Prop Frans Malherbe (ankle) and Siya Kolisi (hamstring) joined full team training on Monday. Their match fitness will dictate whether or not they come into the selection mix against the Blues.
- Locks Eben Etzebeth (chest) and Manuel Carizza (shoulder) are on track to return for the Lions match (28 February in Johannesburg) and centre / fullback Jaco Taute (knee) is on course to return for the Sharks clash (7 March in Cape Town).
One of the most important reasons that the Stormers are looking better at the moment is the fact that Deon Fourie and Peter Grant have left. The ripple effect on the team of Fourie’s wayward lineout throwing and Grant’s inability to kick the ball further than 25 meters over many years has been huge and the fact that AC could not see it certainly tarnished his reputation as a coach/selector/manager.
@ robzim:
Correct. Dimitri is also a limiting factor but better than Grant by a mile
Excellent news that there were no injuries after the Bulls game. On that basis, I would go into the Blues match with an unchanged starting 15. And slowly introduce returning players from injury off the bench. It gives the guys confidence and also helps to build momentum.
I would start Carr because this is going to be a faster open game.
Will also bring Coleman on earlier based on same
Gena_ZA wrote:
Good points and good call
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