Allister Coetzee
Outgoing DHL Stormers coach Allister Coetzee has given the franchise advice on where they can look to strengthen their squad for next season.
The 52-year-old is set to leave for Japan as he embarks on a new phase in his coaching career with Japanese club, Kobe Kobelco Steelers.
The Stormers won this year’s South African conference in Super Rugby, but were knocked out in the qualifiers against the Brumbies at Newlands.
Coetzee said they need add a few new recruits in order to be successful in 2016.
“Steven Kitshoff was superb as loosehead prop, but he’s leaving us (Bordeaux, France). Next year, the Stormers can’t call on a younger player’s services in his absence. We need a senior loosehead,” Coetzee said.
“Manuel Carizza is leaving Western Province, which means there is a void at No 5 lock. Ruan Botha is the only one remaining.”
Coetzee added that the departures of Duane Vermeulen (Toulon, France) and Michael Rhodes (Saracens, England) create the need to sign a new loose forward.
“Preferably, it should be someone that plays to the ball, like Heinrich Brüssow or Marcell Coetzee.”
Coetzee said a replacement for flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis, who is off to Montpellier in France, is also needed.
He added that 2 new wing recruits should also be top priority.
“We kicked the season off without a specialist left wing so I opted for Dillyn (Leyds). You can’t persist with so little physical presence in your back 3. You face guys like Julian Savea, Waisake Naholo and Nemani Nadolo. It’s frightening. WP have Kobus van Wyk, but need to sign 2 more wings.”
Sport24