Robbie Fleck says the selections for the DHL Stormers’ Super Rugby opener were largely based around rewarding players who impressed in pre-season, writes CRAIG LEWIS.
Fleck didn’t spring too many surprises in his team announcement for this Saturday's clash against the Bulls, but he had no hesitation in handing a start to fullback SP Marais, who was in the Super Rugby wilderness just a year ago.
Fleck has also backed Jean-Luc du Plessis to start at flyhalf, with Rob du Preez set to play off the bench, while up front, young Wilco Louw will slot in at tighthead prop ahead of Springbok Frans Malherbe, who has recovered from a neck injury, but will not be rushed back into action.
Fleck was giving very little away at a rather guarded press conference at Newlands on Thursday, highlighting the pressure surrounding this big derby, but he reiterated that he was willing to reward players who had displayed impressive pre-season form.
‘It’s important that we follow what we started in the pre-season, because this is a massive game in a very tough group. We want that winning start to build confidence, and obviously we have to tour New Zealand later on, so there are some tough obstacles to face down the line. But we’re feeling fairly confident going into this game.
‘I think we’ve got the correct combinations in place. SP has been around a while, and wherever he’s played, he’s performed, and he looked good in pre-season. SP looks to have found his feet here and will add important experience to the back three,’ Fleck added.
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Cheslin Kolbe and Dillyn Lleyds will start on the wings in the absence of the injured Leolin Zas, with Seabelo Senatla not considered for selection. He now needs to reintegrate with the Stormers' setup, after a brief rest following his recent efforts with the Blitzboks.
In the midfield, EW Viljoen is set to make his Super Rugby debut as a replacement for the injured Juan de Jongh, while Jano Vermaak and Du Plessis will provide a right and left-footed combination at halfback.
‘EW really started to show what he could do last year, and is certainly one of the best 13s that has come out of our system, and was so impressive at U21 level a couple of years ago. He is another individual who had a really good pre-season,' Fleck said.
‘Then it wasn’t an easy decision at flyhalf, but Jean-Luc gets his opportunity now, and I think the experience he gained last year will stand him in good stead. As a left-footed kicker, it gives us another nice option there.’
Without saying too much, there is no doubt that Fleck would be quite happy for the Stormers to fly under the radar as they head into this opening clash, with very little looking likely to separate the two teams by the final whistle on Saturday night.
‘I think the Bulls have gathered a really good squad, and created depth in some key positions,' the Stormers coach commented. 'That’s exciting, we want all South African teams to be as strong as possible, and this really should be another classic clash.’
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Photo: Johan Rynners/Gallo Images
