With a robust selection of flyhalves and Salmaan Moerat’s return to fitness, assistant coach Dawie Snyman can’t wait for the DHL Stormers to face the Lions on Saturday.
The Stormers’ highly-anticipated opening clash of the 2023-24 Vodacom United Rugby Championship at Ellis Park is set to be a thrilling clash.
With playmakers Manie Libbok and Damian Willemse representing the Springboks in the World Cup in France, and then due for a break upon their return, the Stormers have turned their focus to nurturing their flyhalf talent this season.
Speaking in a Stormers conference this week, Snyman expressed confidence in their current flyhalf contingent, including young sensation Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who recently impressed for the Western Province U21s.
He emphasised the importance of building depth at No 10, with seasoned campaigner Jean-Luc du Plessis, too, adding valuable experience to the mix.
Clayton Blommetjies, primarily a fullback, has also emerged as an emergency flyhalf option, showcasing his versatility in the Stormers’s pre-season matches against the SWD Eagles and the Sharks, stepping in when the Stormers faced injuries to Jurie Matthee and Du Plessis.
“Manie, over the last two seasons, played a lot of rugby for us – he’s got the most minutes in the URC last season,” Snyman told reporters. “So it’s a nice opportunity [now] for us to build a bit of depth [in that position].
“Sacha had a great U21 tournament and our stock at 10 looks good. There are youngsters and a guy like Jean-Luc brings a lot of experience.
“It’s a really important position, so we’ve got a few guys that can cover there and do well for us this season.”
He added: “At this stage, he [Blommetjies] is a guy that gives us that versatility.
“If we’re gonna go for a bigger forwards bench [split], he can help us out. His first choice will be 15, but it’s nice if he can cover 10 for us.”
Moerat has been named permanent captain of the Stormers, following the departure of URC-winning prop Steven Kitshoff.
Although Moerat missed the Stormers’ pre-season matches, the Bok lock has made a full recovery from a long-term knee injury and Snyman is confident he will be ready to lead the Capetonians from the front on the Highveld this weekend.
“He is ready, he’s just had an unfortunate, small little setback [in pre-season] but he has been training well,” the backs coach said.
“And obviously, mentally, he is a really tough player. But he is ready and is excited to go on Saturday.”
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