Stormers expect Test-level Jaguares
EVERY rugby player worth his salt wants to tour New Zealand. Seemingly coaches too, with John Dobson even joking he would be willing to pay his own fare just to tag along next week when the Stormers head off to the Land of the Long White Cloud.
The Stormers start their Super Rugby tour against the Hurricanes in Wellington next week before heading to Auckland to face the Blues. The former are currently second on the New Zealand conference table behind the all-conquering Crusaders. The Blues also got up off the canvas last week with a morale-boosting victory over the Sunwolves.
However, before any energy can be focused on the enticing prospect of facing some of the Kiwis’ most celebrated franchises, the Stormers first have to deal with a determined Jaguares outfit on Friday at Newlands.
The Argentines may have lost to the Lions last week but it was clear by the team they fielded at Ellis Park that the visitors were eyeing this week’s clash with the Stormers as the main game of their SA tour.
A host of internationals have returned to the squad and will be available for selection this week, which will provide the Stormers with a stern test.
“I must say, I was surprised they didn’t play their top guys against the Lions, but it means we will have a full Test squad playing against us and we will have to be ready for the challenge,” said coach Robbie Fleck.
“We have planned really well for the Jaguares. We cannot have the scenario where the guys have one foot on the plane and one foot at Newlands.
“In a way it is a tough week as we will have to tell players who aren’t touring that they will be staying behind. Everyone wants to tour and the players who miss out will be disappointed.”
One player who probably won’t be on the plane – or in the line-up against the Jaguares, for that matter – is loosehead prop Ali Vermaak.
The veteran front-ranker has put in a solid shift in the absence of Springbok Steven Kitshoff for the past three weeks, but has now been laid low by injury. Vermaak is struggling with a neck ailment.
Fortunately for the Stormers, they should have Kitshoff back after the loosehead returned to training on Monday in Bellville.
“Ali is struggling with a neck injury and it doesn’t look like he will pass fit for Friday and is also unlikely for the tour,” Fleck said.
“But fortunately Kitsie is back and he got through this morning’s session with flying colours. Whether he starts or not will depend on how he goes in training, but we are expecting him to be ready to face the Jaguares.”