The DHL Stormers are hopeful that Hacjivah Dayimani will be fit to return next week after a knee injury ruled him out of Saturday’s match against the Sharks. DYLAN JACK reports.
While the Stormers were strengthened by the return of several stalwarts for the coastal derby in Durban, Dayimani was not among those recalled after being rested when the team travelled to Ulster last week.
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Instead, it is Marcel Theunissen who will start at No 8 at Kings Park. The 23-year-old fought bravely in challenging conditions in Belfast, when he was called off the bench after Evan Roos was one of three players injured in the first half, scoring the Stormers’ only try of the match.
Assistant coach Dawie Snyman is confident that Theunissen, similar in stature to Dayimani, will be able to fill the No 8’s boots.
“Hacjivah is struggling with a knee injury. It’s not serious, but we need to look after him. He will only miss this game,” Snyman said. “We needed to give him an extra week to get right.
“Marcel comes in after a really good game in Ulster. He’s earned an opportunity to start at No 8.
“Hacjivah has lots of X-factor. I must say, it’s a big chance for Marcel. He showed in Ulster that he has a very good ball-carrying ability and scored a good try. It was the same against the Lions, when he also came off the bench.
“Of course, Hacjivah brings that something different. But, he also has a way of playing that fits what Marcel is going to bring to the match.”
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The Stormers have been able to recall the likes of Manie Libbok, Joseph Dweba, Dan du Plessis and a fit-again Seabelo Senatla to the starting lineup.
Snyman hopes that the energy that the returning stalwarts have brought will carry into the derby.
“Its a nice mix. A few guys got the opportunity to charge the batteries and there are also a few guys coming back from injury. You could just see that the energy was high this week from the guys coming in. Hopefully we will see that tomorrow.
“We have been working together as a large squad. That’s why we are able to make changes in these games. We all strive to be on the same page. So if someone has to perform Deon’s role, they understand exactly what is needed from a No 6 and how he plays in our system.
“For players who didn’t play and are coming in like Seabelo, it’s quite a smooth transition. There will be one or two tactical changes, depending on the opposition. The squad has been working hard in understanding what they need to do.
“The one big thing that the rested guys, who didn’t play last week, brought was energy. That was big for us this week.”
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Much like the Stormers, the Sharks are without their Springbok contingent, but have still been able to retain the likes of Aphelele Fassi and Rohan Janse van Rensburg in their lineup.
Combined with their positive run since Neil Powell took charge last year, it’s something that will have the Stormers on their toes for Saturday’s clash.
“It won’t impact our approach. When we play the Sharks there is always good competitiveness. The next player in is always ready to fill the boots. They are a proud team and are coming off a high. They will want to keep that momentum. We know it’s going to be a tough match out there tomorrow.”
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Photo: Shaun Roy/BackpagePix
