CAPE TOWN
– Springbok Damian Willemse has been relegated to the reserves, while Scarra
Ntubeni and Juarno Augustus will start for the Stormers in Friday’s Super Rugby
clash against the Jaguares at Newlands (7.10pm kickoff).
First and foremost a flyhalf, Willemse has been operating at
fullback for the Stormers, as that is where Bok coach Rassie Erasmus wants to
utilise him at Test level at this stage.
But now, instead of making a case for a World Cup squad,
Willemse has been pushed down to the bench, with Dillyn Leyds coming in at No
15.
Leyds is also a classy playmaker, so his selection is
welcome. But coach Robbie Fleck could’ve easily picked Willemse to start – in
his preferred flyhalf position, or at fullback, with Leyds able to occupy left
wing.
In his return to top rugby this year, Jean-Luc du Plessis
hasn’t quite found his spark, especially on attack – which is where Willemse
could ignite a potentially lethal backline.
In addition, SP Marais has offered little more than his
goal-kicking this season, for which Willemse or Du Plessis could’ve taken
responsibility.
Ntubeni gets an opportunity at hooker in place of Bongi
Mbonambi, which is an interesting selection. There is no doubt that Mbonambi is
the first-choice player, but Ntubeni has made a big impact off the bench this
season, and deserves a start ahead of the upcoming tour of New Zealand and Australia.
Augustus replaces Jaco Coetzee, who shifts to the bench
after being a late inclusion for the Sharks game due to the withdrawal of the
injured Sikhumbuzo Notshe.
The former World Under-20 Player of the Year Augustus
finally gets his big break, having battled with a few injuries recently. He is
a strong ball-carrier, but will also be expected to play a key role as a
lineout jumper and a heavy hitter in defence.
As expected, Steven Kitshoff has been cleared to play, and takes over from the injured Ali Vermaak.
Stormers Team
15 Dillyn Leyds 14 Sergeal Petersen 13 Dan du Plessis 12 Damian de Allende 11 SP Marais 10 Jean-Luc du Plessis 9 Herschel Jantjies 8 Juarno Augustus 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit 6 Siya Kolisi (captain) 5 JD Schickerling 4 Eben Etzebeth 3 Frans Malherbe 2 Scarra Ntubeni 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Bench:16 Bongi Mbonambi 17 Corné Fourie 18 Wilco Louw 19 Cobus Wiese 20 Jaco Coetzee 21 Justin Phillips 22 Ruhan Nel 23 Damian Willemse.
Here is your DHL Stormers team that will face the @JaguaresARG at DHL Newlands on Friday night. Tickets from @Computicket #iamastormer #fridaynightlights #lightitup pic.twitter.com/JSiCjISVPa
— DHL STORMERS (@THESTORMERS) March 13, 2019
@ashfakmohamed