Vermeulen has to beat Blues before he can celebrate
THE Stormers will put aside the distraction of No 8 and captain Duane Vermeulen’s 100th Super Rugby appearance celebrations until after they complete the task of beating the Blues at Newlands tomorrow.
The Stormers last met the Auckland side in Cape Town in 2012, when they prevailed by 27-17. Vermeulen, who wore the No 7 jersey three years ago, is one of seven survivors from that victory.
Again, the Stormers will face the Blues on the back of a win over local rivals. In 2012 it was a narrow win over the Sharks, and this year it is a 29-17 victory over the Bulls at Loftus.
The Blues are still smarting after losing their season opener to the Chiefs on home ground last week. And in many ways they could not have asked for a tougher follow-up.
In six outings against New Zealand opposition since the Blues were last in Cape Town, the Stormers have only lost once — to the Crusaders in 2013.
Coach Allister Coetzee was forced into a single change. Lock Jurie van Vuuren comes in for Jean Kleyn, who failed a late fitness test due to a troublesome hamstring. Van Vuuren’s elevation to the starting line-up relegates Springbok flank Siya Kolisa to the bench.
“Jean couldn’t come through the test and we don’t want to push him into a situation where the injury is upgraded,” Coetzee said.
“Jurie’s line-out work has been excellent and his work rate is superb. We have a plan to move Michael Rhodes to lock later in the game.
“Jurie did well when he came off the bench against the Bulls last week. This selection is reward for the players doing well last week.
“Siya would have been the only change to the 23, but Jurie got the nod due to Jean’s injury. I’m very happy to have Siya back after two weeks at full training.”
Vermeulen reiterated that the Stormers had put last week’s win behind them and were only focused on the Blues match-up.
The skipper also warned that the New Zealanders would pose different threats to those of the Bulls.
“There hasn’t been any focus on my 100th,” Vermeulen said. “It’s a nice milestone but mine and the team’s only focus is to beat the Blues on Saturday.
“The Blues run the ball because they have good runners and good steppers. We have a good defensive system but it will be a big challenge.
“Our defensive system is vital, far more than an individual’s ability to tackle one on one because at this level, with the calibre of their players, individuals will be exposed.”
It’s a nice milestone but mine and the team’s only focus is to beat the Blues