Fleck happy with pack

Rudolph Jacobs

Fullback George Whitehead and wing Craig Barry could miss the cut when the Stormers announce their team tomorrow for the Super Rugby derby against the Bulls at Loftus this weekend.

Whitehead was a late inclusion against the Reds last weekend after JJ Engelbrecht withdrew at the 11th hour, which meant Barry, who was due to play at No 15 in the place of Dillyn Leyds (above), was moved to the wing.

But Stormers coach Robbie Fleck said both Leyds and SP Marais could be in the selection mix for this weekend

“Hopefully Dillyn, SP, JJ and [scrumhalf] Jano Vermaak will be back, as it doesn’t look like Dewaldt Duvenage is going to be passed fit ... he has hurt his rib,” said Fleck.

Even though Justin Philips is an exciting young No 9, he struggled when he replaced Duvenhage last weekend and, at Loftus, the Stormers will need all the experience they can get.

But Fleck is happy with the way the forward pack has performed, despite the continued absence of Springboks like lock Eben Etzebeth and prop Frans Malherbe.

There is also a great vibe in midfield where centre Damian de Allende is regaining his form of 2015. Next to him, the multiskilled EW Viljoen is busy fulfilling his huge potential.

“There is good continuity in the forwards and they are going pretty well. The midfield is also going pretty well,” said Fleck.

“Getting those combinations right and getting the final execution will stand us in good stead.”

The Stormers have tough away games in the next few weeks, against the Bulls and the Lions, before enjoying a bye and then going to Durban to face the Sharks.

Fleck said the Stormers’ execution let them down against the Reds.