Blitzbokke call-ups could leave Fleck’s side hobbled

CALL-UPS to the South African Sevens team could deny the Stormers the services of some key players at crucial times later in the Super Rugby season. Captain and centre Juan de Jongh, fullback Cheslin Kolbe and centre Damian de Allende are all part of the Blitzbokke plans and could all feature at the Olympic Games in Rio in August. Kolbe and De Jongh were star members of the Blitzbokke team in the opening rounds of the 2015-16 World Sevens Series before returning to Super Rugby duty. De Allende was part of the Sevens squad even though he was injured, and he is still in the frame for the final two events of the schedule in Paris and London in May.

At this stage Stormers coach Robbie Fleck is unsure when those players will be called up, if at all.

De Allende has made two appearances off the bench after four months on the sidelines with an ankle injury while Kolbe remains the only viable fullback option with Dillyn Leyds and Jaco Taute ruled out for the rest of the season.

“Cheslin is an interesting case because we don’t know what will happen with the Sevens team,” said Fleck.

“He could be called up at any stage and could go to the Olympics. Juan de Jongh is in the same boat.

“We have to manage both of them during the week. They know their bodies so well so if they feel they need rest, we take notice of that.

“But Cheslin is the only fit, recognised fullback we have in the group. Huw Jones is coming on in training and EW Viljoen will play 80 minutes for WP in the Currie Cup this week. But they both need time.”

De Allende is also unsure of when the Blitzbokke would use him, but he is keen to play when he feels ready.

“I spoke to the Sevens management and they still want me to play, but I won’t go into it half-hearte said De Allende.

“I want to work on my fitness a bit more, and if I feel I can compete in a Sevens tournament at that level of fitness and skill, I’ll give it a shot.

“If you’re not up to standard you’ll be exposed quickly. We’ll see how the next few weeks go and if all works out, I might have a chance of playing a tournament or two. But if I don’t feel right I’m not going to rush into things.”

Given the uncertainty over Sevens selections Fleck is still trying to identify the best possible team nearly halfway through the tournament.

“I have got to develop a squad that’s going to carry us right through this tournament,” said Fleck.

“With the injuries that we have had, we have been able to juggle it quite well and effectively. We have been able to keep our players quite fresh.”