Herschel may start feeling the heat

Springbok scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies will have to fight hard to remain the Stormers’ first choice No 9.

That much was clear based on what Stormers coach John Dobson said about the scrumhalf’s two “understudies” yesterday when he named his team for the visit by the Cheetahs tomorrow.

“I had a chat with Herschel (at the start of the season) and told him nobody was really pushing him for his place, but that has changed,” said Dobson.

Jantjies is back in the mix, and starts this week, after taking compassionate leave.

Dobson said Paul de Wet, who started in Kimberley last weekend, and Godlen Masimla are pushing hard for starting berths.

“We have three almost identical scrumhalves; they are all instinctive players, they are very fast and they defend the same way, so the expectation is to manage all three,” said Dobson, who made five changes to the side for the Super Rugby Unlocked clash at Newlands.

In other changes, lock Salmaan Moerat, hooker Scarra Ntubeni and prop Frans Malherbe have returned, while Ruhan Nel retained his place on the wing after the injury to Edwill van der Merwe.

“Scarra would have started the game in Nelspruit but then there was the Covid issue, and he has played just 30 minutes in the competition which is far too little for a player of his calibre,” said Dobson.

Captain Steven Kitshoff said while they expect it to be tough against the Cheetahs they are relieved to be back home for the first time since round two.

“It’s great to be back with Scarra and Frans in the front row, they have been stalwarts for a long time,” Kitshoff said.

Meanwhile, the return of veteran Springbok centre Frans Steyn could make a world of difference to the fortunes of the Cheetahs, coach Hawies Fourie believes.

In one of three changes to the team who lost to the Sharks last week, Steyn is back for the Super Rugby Unlocked clash against the Stormers at Newlands this weekend after recovering from a groin injury.

“Frans makes a big difference with his leadership and his decision-making, and just his presence on the field,” Fourie said.