Schalk feels the heat on his return to Cape

THE Stormers did not slack off in training despite temperatures of 42°C in Cape Town yesterday, but they were conditions that would have jolted returning flank Schalk Burger.

The elder statesman of the pack completed his Japanese club commitments at Suntory at the weekend and will probably see action off the bench against the Sharks at Newlands this weekend.

On Monday, coach Allister Coetzee was coy about whether Burger would be drafted straight into action, but yesterday forwards coach Matt Proudfoot all but confirmed the blond dynamo’s selection to face the Sharks.

“It’s tremendous having Schalk in the side because he is hugely passionate about this union and this team.

“He brings so much experience to the team and you can see guys that line up next to him in the huddle grow a few inches and become more confident,” Proudfoot said.

The Stormers will also be boosted by the return of lock Eben Etzebeth, who has been absent due to a pectoral muscle injury picked up in pre-season.

Etzebeth might only be introduced from the bench with Jean Kleyn also fit again after hamstring trouble.

The return of the second row duo is timely, with Jurie van Vuuren out for a month with a shoulder injury, while Ruan Botha is going through concussion testing protocols this week.

“Eben is obviously a tremendous player and he has come through the ranks here since under-19 with lots of the current Stormers pack,” Proudfoot said.

“They have a good vibe on the field and care for each other. He’s a strong boy so he brings a lot to various parts of the game.”