Rassie reveals his team to play Boland
He made a name for himself at centre at the Lions and became a Springbok before moving to the Natal Sharks. He had an excellent 2007 season and new Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus brought him to Cape Town at the end of last year.
Jean de Villiers, the newly appointed captain for the Vodacom Super 14 season, is still out with the shoulder injury he sustained at the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Andries Bekker will take on the captaincy responsibilities in the absence of the Bok centre.
Also out due to injuries are Ross Skeate, Eddie Andrews, Conrad Jantjes, Brian Mujati and Pieter Louw. Assistant coach Allister Coetzee said De Villiers is very close to getting back to full fitness.
“He is a week or so away from taking contact again,” said Coetzee. Most of these players should be fit for the first game against the Bulls at Newlands on 16 February.
Coetzee said with De Villiers not there, this was the ideal time for other players to show what they’ve got in terms of leadership skills.
“We’ve experienced it again at the World Cup in France… your captain cannot take responsibility for everything. At this level the pressure is so huge there should be ‘captains’ who assist the captain.
“This is a good chance for Rassie to give other guys the opportunity to make the calls. What Rassie really wants to establish amongst the players is that everyone is a captain in his own right.
“The captain should be the coordinator on the day and should give direction in terms of how we play and operate, but different players should take on different leadership roles.”
Vodacom Stormers: Gio Aplon, Tonderai Chavhanga, Dylan des Fountain, Gcobani Bobo, Sireli Naqelevuki, Peter Grant, Bolla Conradie, Luke Watson, Francois Louw, Schalk Burger, Francois van der Merwe, Andries Bekker (Capt), Brok Harris, Tiaan Liebenberg. JD Moller. SUBSTITUTES: Schalk Brits, Schalk Ferreira, Adriaan Fondse, Pieter Myburgh, Dewaldt Duvenhage, Isma-eel Dollie, Corne Uys, Ruaan du Preez, Justin Melck, Robbie Diack, Joe Pietersen.
STORMERS FRIENDLY VS BOLAND – WELLINGTON – 19 JANUARY 2008
Kick-off 18:00 Vodacom Stormers vs Boland
Kick-off 16:30 Vodacom WP vs Boland
Tickets now on sale @ Perel Sports Winkel on 021-872 9661
OR
Boland office 021-873 2317
Ticket prices:
Main Stand R50 each incl. VAT
Other stands R30 each incl. VAT
Scholars R10 each incl. VAT.
