New Stormers on display

Rudolph Jacobs

The new enforcements to the Stormers Super Rugby squad will get a valuable opportunity against the Eagles in George tomorrow to make an early impression on head coach Robbie Fleck.

Players like former Cheetahs wings Sergeal Petersen (left) and Raymond Rhule as well as flyhalves Joshua Stander (Bulls) and George Whitehead, on loan from Griquas, will all be unleashed.

Apart from a long injury list, Fleck will have to find replacements for seasoned stars like Cheslin Kolbe, Robert du Preez, Oli Kebble and Rynhardt Elstadt who left the Cape last season.

“We always look forward to our pre-season trips to George and expect the usual spirited opposition from the Eagles, which is just what we need after a hard pre-season,” said Fleck.

Players who were not available for selection due to injury include Eben Etzebeth (shoulder), Jean-Luc du Plessis (groin), Dan du Plessis (shoulder), Frans Malherbe (neck), Jano Vermaak (knee), Jan de Klerk (knee), Scarra Ntubeni (hamstring), EW Viljoen (foot), Michael Kumbirai (back), Grant Hermanus (groin), Johan du Toit (knee) and Justin Phillips (rib).

The Stormers have another warm-up game planned for February 3 against the Bulls in Wellington before their season opener against the Jaguares at Newlands on February 17.

At this stage Etzebeth is the major casualty and will be out for as long as four months, Vermaak will miss two months, while Malherbe’s back injury will keep him sidelined until later in the season.

Jean-Luc and Dan du Plessis are both expected to be sidelined for a further eight weeks.