Flank Schalk Burger, one of the key figures in the Stormers lineup for tomorrow’s Super Rugby eliminator against the Brumbies, is in doubt for the big clash at Newlands.
Burger didn’t complete yesterday’s practice session because of a groin strain and there are fears that he will miss the match.
If Burger is ruled out of the clash, the Stormers will lose one of their primary ball carriers and defensive breakdown weapons. They are already without the injured Duane Vermeulen for the clash and without that pair of seasoned veterans the breakdown battle tips hugely in favour of the Australians.
Wallaby flank David Pocock, who looks set to play after making steady progress on his concussion protocols, is a menace on the deck at the best of times. Without Burger and Vermeulen to pressurise him in that facet of the game, the Brumbies’ chances of victory improve.
Stormers coach Allister Coetzee named Burger in the team but that might be more in hope than expectation.
If Burger is ruled out, flank Sikhumbuzo Notshe should come into the squad with Michael Rhodes elevated to the starting lineup.
Coetzee recalled all of his first choice players after they were rested for last weekend’s dead rubber against the Sharks in Durban.
Even though the Stormers lost the match 34-12, Coetzee claims that they didn’t lose any momentum because key players enjoyed mental rest rather than physical rest.
“I believe last week worked out well and whatever happened has nothing to do with the playoffs,” said Coetzee.
“Michael Rhodes played 70 minutes and Ruan Botha 80 and we were looking for them to get game time.
“Part of maintaining our momentum was making sure the guys are mentally rested as well.
“The whole squad were together last week and the guys that didn’t play against the Sharks trained and were preparing for the play-offs.
“We put emphasis on lineouts and we worked on stopping mauls.”
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham also named a full strength team in an unchanged squad that lost to the Crusaders last weekend.
But he did include utility back Nigel Ah Wong on the bench in case Matt Toomua fails a late fitness test.
The side’s met in Cape Town six weeks ago with the home team winning a spiteful encounter 25-24, thanks largely to the Brumbies ill-discipline that saw them concede 19 penalties.
Both sets of coaches see the match following a similar pattern with neither team likely to take huge risks inside their own territory.
The Brumbies will look to Pocock to boss the breakdown and force penalties, where they can either kick for goal and punt to set up attacking plays from the lineout.
The Stormers in turn would like to see as many scrums as possible and also win the territorial battle where flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis can use his lethal boot to keep the scoreboard moving.
The Stormers pivot has kicked 57 of 64 kicks at goal for a success rate of 89%.
Brumbies flyhalf Christian Lealiifano, who will make his 100th Super Rugby appearance, has missed 21 kicks at goal this year.
Stormers:
Cheslin Kolbe; Dillyn Leyds, Juan De Jongh, Damian de Allende, Seabelo Senatla; Demetri Catrakilis, Nic Groom; Nizaam Carr, Siya Kolisi, Schalk Burger, Manuel Carizza, . Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Steven Kitshoff.
Reserves: Scarra Ntubeni, Alistair Vermaak, Vincent Koch, Jean Kleyn, Michael Rhodes, Louis Schreuder, Kurt Coleman, Jaco Taute.