By Ashfak Mohamed
Schalk Brits says fellow hooker Tiaan Liebenberg's superb form at the start of the Super 14 has brought "the best out of him" on the Stormers' Australasian tour.
Brits has been outstanding since getting an opportunity to start his first game of the season against the Reds.
Tiaan Liebenberg had been rested anyway for the Reds match, but then had to return home after sustaining a thigh injury. This gave Brits an extended run of games and he has taken his opportunity well.
He has been a threat in broken play with his stepping and his startling speed for a hooker. He has also been consistent with basics such as throwing into the lineouts, and has improved his work rate in the tight loose and cleaning out at the breakdown points.
"Teabag (Liebenberg) played very well up to his injury, and his form has also brought the best out of me. Deon Fourie has also stepped up since arriving on tour. We are lucky to have such good hookers in the Stormers squad," Brits said from Perth this week.
"It has been nice to get on to the field and start games. I really enjoy it out there and want to help the team to win."
Brits was initially used as a loose forward off the bench by Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus at the start of the season. While he still preferred to play at hooker, Brits said he was open to trying new positions. "Rassie decides who plays where. For me, just to be on the field is great, whether it is at No 8 or even at centre!
"There are so few set phases nowadays anyway, so it doesn't make such a huge difference where you line up. It is an advantage to be able to play both at hooker and loose forward. It allows me to fill in if needed in the loose trio, especially if there are injuries."
The Stormers will face tough opponents in the Western Force in Perth on Friday, and although the Force are renowned for their backline's attacking play, Brits says that the Australians' forwards will also be a difficult challenge to overcome.
Veteran lock and captain Nathan Sharpe is a superb jumper in the lineouts and is an experienced Wallaby, while loose forwards David Pocock and Richard Brown have impressed with their linking with the backs. Hooker Tai McIsaac also has Wallaby colours.
"They certainly have a strong pack," said Brits. "In fact, they have a great team with a great coach in John Mitchell. What he has done with that team in just three years is excellent. They are a young team, but they do have a bit of experience now in Super 14. They are playing really good rugby this year."
The Force are currently in fourth position on the log after six matches, but crucially, they have only played one match at home.
Meanwhile, Liebenberg flew to Australia yesterday to join up with the Stormers squad for the Force match, replacing utility back Joe Pietersen, who has a hamstring injury. Liebenberg is likely to replace Fourie on the bench.
The Stormers team will be named on Wednesday.