DHL Stormers tighthead prop Frans Malherbe’s potential return is eagerly anticipated, as assistant coach Rito Hlungwani hails the intensity of their set-piece training.
According to a News24 report, head coach John Dobson said that Malherbe is 70-30 ready to face the Sharks in Durban on 17 February when the Vodacom URC resumes next week.
One of four Stormers who helped the Springboks win the 2023 World Cup, the veteran anchor has been on the sidelines with a long-term back injury since returning from the tournament in France.
Despite the formidable performances of replacement Neethling Fouche, Malherbe’s experience and presence are crucial as the Capetonians approach critical stages in both the URC and Champions Cup.
Meanwhile, in a wide-ranging interview with IOL Sport, Hlungwani highlighted the rigorous standards set within the Stormers, with players constantly challenging each other, creating an environment where every player is ready for the game.
He emphasised the importance of the entire pack, including locks and loose forwards, in ensuring the success of the scrum, and praised the collective responsibility that all eight players on the field contribute to the scrum’s success.
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“It’s very competitive and brutal at the same time,” Hlungwani told IOL Sport. “The guys go at each other – that is the standard we set for ourselves, and we stay true to that.
“What makes it special is that the guys are learning in this environment, and they feed off each other. But it is tough and very challenging.
“When you see our best scrummagers being scrummed at training, then we know that guy on the other side is ready to be exposed to a game.
“That is what makes it nice for us. The next guy is always ready because he gets tested by the sheer brutality of how we train.
“Learning from each other, pushing each other … That is what we pride our scrum and mauls on.”
He added: “The locks always want feedback from the props. We are in a very good space at the moment. If there are eight forwards on the field, all eight scrum to make sure it’s successful.
“Everyone gets involved, and we never dial it down.”
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