Duvenage to put the boot into White’s Brumbies
AFTER weeks on the periphery Stormers scrumhalf Dewaldt Duvenage suddenly takes centre stage tomorrow when his side clashes against the unbeaten Brumbies at Newlands.
So far this season Duvenage has been overlooked for the nippier service of Nic Groom to complement flyhalf Elton Jantjies’ natural attacking instincts as the Stormers have worked on improving their attack.
But tomorrow it appears that they will revert to type and use Duvenage to turn the Brumbies around with his educated left boot and make them play from much deeper, which will dilute their ability to dominate the allimportant gainline battle.
It’s a risky selection in some ways as Duvenage is match shy and also a touch slower in clearing the ball from rucks compared to Groom, which could in turn have a negative impact on Jantjies’ game.
The Stormers have lost two of their three matches so far in 2013 and need a win tomorrow to keep their season on track. After seeing the Brumbies manhandle the Sharks with their physicality, the Stormers have mentally prepared themselves for a South African-style clash.
The Brumbies, coached by former Bok mentor Jake White, are well clear of the rest and even a loss tomorrow without a bonus point will still leave them clear at the top of the standings.
The Brumbies have historically dominated the meetings with 10 wins and only three losses in 14 previous clashes. The Brumbies enjoy a good record at Newlands having won four of their previous seven meetings with one draw.
The Cheetahs could break new ground tomorrow if they beat the Western Force in Perth. After two wins out of three on tour, a third victory would mark the most successful tour in the history of the franchise and put the Cheetahs in the position to contest a playoff berth.
The Southern Kings continue their Super Rugby adventure when they play their first ever away game – and it couldn’t be a tougher assignment – against the Crusaders in Christchurch.
The seven-time champions have ominously also run into some form while it will be flyhalf Dan Carter’s last appearance for several weeks before he goes on paternity leave, which will add to the drama.