Des Fountain keen to make an impact

The 21-year-old Des Fountain will be making his debut for the Stormers even though he hasn’t worn the WP jersey at Currie Cup level yet.

Coach Kobus van der Merwe, however, promised changes to the side that underperformed in the first two games of the season and Des Fountain is one of the players the coach is looking at to inject some much-needed urgency and aggression.

The Stormers lost against the Cheetahs and the Western Force and at training this week Des Fountain ran at wing in place of Conrad Jantjes, who is destined for a move to the fullback position in place of Gio Aplon.

“It is a big challenge for me, but I am keen to do well,” commented Des Fountain, who was a star player at Paarl Gymnasium before going to the Blue Bulls, where he played three Vodacom Cup games in 2004.

Last year knee trouble prevented him from seeing much action. The youngster already had three knee operations, but he is confident that he is 100% over it.

Those games for the Bulls were at centre and not at wing, where he will be making his debut for the Stormers on Friday night. “I am actually a centre, but I feel that my biggest asset is that I am a very attacking player.

“I would just have to do the basic things right. I will try to be at ease and will go out to my play my game,” he told reporters on Tuesday.

Van der Merwe said he has full confidence in Des Fountain and doesn’t see his inclusion as a risk. “There are those who say he is the most skillful player to ever come from Paarl Gymnasium. The physical aspect is important and Dylan can get us on the front foot from the blind side.”

The Vodacom Stormers match 22 will be announced on Thursday.

Kick-off time for Friday night’s game is 18:30.