Fleck’s big guns back
FULL MONTY: HEAVYWEIGHTS RETURN AFTER SIDE EXPOSED IN SINGAPORE
Coach has nothing but respect for tough Cheetahs.
It could be viewed as a sign of respect that the Stormers have reverted to their strongest possible line-up for the Super Rugby clash against the Cheetahs at Newlands this afternoon.
The Cheetahs are coming off a 38-30 defeat at home to the Sharks while the Stormers remained unbeaten after their 44-31 away win over the Sunwolves.
However, the Stormers were exposed on defence in Singapore, while coach Robbie Fleck also warned this week that when you play the Cheetahs, you must always be prepared for something unusual... an out of-the-box scenario.
With this in mind, the Stormers have, therefore, brought back the heavy artillery in the form of the abrasive Springbok locks Eben Etzebeth and Pieter-Steph du Toit as well as fellow Bok in prop Frans Malherbe.
The Cheetahs in turn have surprised by naming flyhalf Niel Marais in midfield. He is known for his strong defensive work which could send out a message to the Stormers’ inventive young midfielders Dan du Plessis and EW Viljoen.
Fleck is eager to see the kind of intensity and high-tempo which will be required when they face the daunting prospect of welcoming the Chiefs to Newlands next weekend.
“The Cheetahs game will be another tough South African derby,” said Fleck.
“But the players have put in plenty of hard work this week and we are looking forward to the challenge.”
The Cheetahs have been boosted with the news that captain Francois Venter has recovered from his hamstring niggle, but their forward pack faces the biggest onslaught.
The Stormers have only played two games at home which included a good win at home followed by a dour struggle against the Jaguares.
“After two away games separated by a bye week, it is exciting for us to be playing in front of our crowd at Newlands once again,” said Fleck.
Flank Cobus Wiese will make his first start for the Stormers after the versatile 19-year-old Junior Springbok came off the replacement bench to make his debut against the Sunwolves.
Kick-off: 3.05pm.