We need to go out and do the business – DHL Stormers team selection
The DHL Stormers’ destiny remains largely in their own hands and depending on results in the final league fixtures and in their game against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, the Cape franchise could finish 1, 2, or 3 on the log, qualifying for a home semifinal or quarterfinal (1st round finals series) game. The DHL Stormers play the last fixture on Saturday (19h10) and will know exactly what is required before kick-off.
“Winning the game is crucial, the 4 points gives us a home semi and a week off – we need to go out there and do the business.” said coach Allister Coetzee. “The Cheetahs however are a quality side and have been in great form lately. They pride themselves on their physicality and will come at us hard. They have some great game breakers and play an exciting brand of rugby. We are under no illusions as to the challenge that awaits.” added the coach.
On the DHL Stormers the coach said,”The boys have trained well this week and are a very determined bunch of players. Accuracy this week will be crucial as the Cheetahs thrive on turnover ball. We simply have to be accurate and give them as little as possible.”
The team selection, which the coach described as a “horses for courses” selection given a harder quicker pitch, has a distinctly attacking look to it and sees the return of Duvenage at 9 and Grant at 10. Juan De Jongh will wear the 12 jersey and is partnered by Jaque Fourie, whilst Jean De Villiers gets a run at wing and Aplon at fullback. With Januarie out injured Louis Schreuder gets a call up to the 4/3 split bench, whilst the exciting Johann Sadie will wear jersey 21. “The surface is hard and fast and we have reshuffled the backline to take advantage of this. We want all our best players on the park. Juan has really been good when he has come on and Jean De Villiers has been outstanding. Gio provides options on the counter and on attack.” explained the coach.
The team to play:
1. Wicus Blaauw
2. Tiaan Liebenberg
3. Brok Harris
4. Rynhardt Elstadt
5. Andries Bekker
6. Schalk Burger (C)
7. Francois Louw
8. Duane Vermeulen
9. Dewaldt Duvenage v 10. Peter Grant
11. Bryan Habana
12. Juan de Jongh
13. Jaque Fourie
14. Jean de Villiers
15. Gio Aplon
Reserves:
16. Deon Fourie
17. Frans Malherbe
18. Anton van Zyl
19. Nick Koster
20. Louis Schreuder
21. Johann Sadie
22. Conrad Jantjes
Match Details:
Venue: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
Kick-off: 19h10
Referee: Marius Jonker
