Schreuder, Coleman to start against tough Chiefs
ALLISTER COETZEEis so confident in the ability of his Stormers squad that he has entrusted his second-string halfback combination with key responsibilities in tomorrow’s crunch Super Rugby clash against the touring Chiefs.
In what will be their first start of the season, Louis Schreuder and Kurt Coleman have replaced Nic Groom and Demetri Catrakilis in two of four changes to the side that sank the Sharks 29-13 last week, with lock Jean Kleyn replacing the injured Eben Etzebeth while fit-again Kobus van Wyk takes over from rookie winger Johnny Kotze.
“It’s purely a rotational selection to get Louis and Kurt an opportunity to play,” the Stormers coach said of the change at scrumhalf and flyhalf.
“As a halfback combination off the bench they have really done well. They’ve either won games in the last minute for us or closed it out, and they deserve a start.”
The Chiefs are currently the New Zealand Conference leaders, and they were champions in 2012 and 2013. It’s a brave move from Coetzee and one that showcases his newfound belief in rotation.
“We function with a squad mentality and it’s important that, when players show that form off the bench – closing out games and winning games – then surely somewhere they need to start,” he said. “It’s been an issue in the past where we didn’t rotate at all, but Nic and Demetri have (started) four on the trot and we had to look where we can rotate. It’s the right time to start (Schreuder and Coleman) before we go on tour, and I think they’re experienced enough, and it’s a great opportunity for them.”
In years gone by, the Stormers suffered from a propensity to start fast and fade after half-time. This season, they have only once been outscored in the second half.
Tomorrow’s starting halfback tandem must share in the credit for this turnaround as they have been mainstays of an impact unit on the bench in four straight wins.
Colemancame through during the roundthree match at Ellis Park. The 25-year-old banged over a difficult conversion with three minutes to go, ultimately forcing the Lions to chase a try for the win in what ended as a 2219 result for the Stormers. “I’m very excited,” said Schreuder of his first start for the Stormers since April last year. “It’s a big game for us, and we’ve got nice momentum so far. I’m look- ing forward to getting my chance.
“Kurt and I have got a good relationship on and off the field, and we’ve done well so far doing the closing role for us.
“Kurt’s obviously a good kicker and he’s a very good (foot)baller, and both of us can speed up the game well and get that quick attacking phase of the Stormers’ game going. We complement each other well there – Kurt attacks the advantage line direct and hard.”
At the time of writing, the Chiefs had flouted the Sanzar directive which states teams must be announced at least 48 hours prior to kick-off.
According to Chiefs manager Stu Williams, the team was set to be released online overnight. Earlier in the week, coach Dave Rennie had joked about the possibility of not selecting heavy-impact All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams. The delayed announcement of the team may have been to give Williams more time to recover from a possible injury concern, or to hide his potential omission.