Carr’s guile will help Stormers pass Lions

THE LOSS of Rynhardt Elstadt is massive for the Stormers because of the physical presence he brings to their effort. But the Cape franchise’s loose forward trio for tomorrow’s clash against the Lions in Johannesburg looks a lot more balanced with the return of Springbok Nizaam Carr.

Carr is back in the No 6 jersey for the Stormers following Elstadt’s unfortunate injury, and it will be the bearded flank’s first start of the campaign after contracting a virus that basically ruined his pre-season.

His two appearances off the bench against the Bulls and Blues have been okay, but not at the standard that he showed last season when he was one of the Stormers and Western Province’s best players.

“It’s good to have Nemo (Carr) back,” coach Allister Coetzee said yesterday at the team announcement.

“Obviously it’s because of Rynhardt’s injury, but it was always a case of making sure Nemo is sharp. He is probably not firing at this point in time, but I’m sure with more gametime he will be at his best.

“It will be good for him, Michael Rhodes and Duane Vermeulen to settle as a combination going forward. This weekend it’s not just about a physical intensity, but there will be subtle nuances where Nemo will play a role with his soft hands and good touches. I’m really pleased with the combination we have got.”

Rhodes has been one of the unsung heroes of the Stormers and WP since joining from the Lions a few years ago.

The versatile forward is a real grafter and can take the ball up all day long, while he also makes a plenty of tackles and gets around the park.

With Elton Jantjies at No10 for the Lions, Rhodes believes that the Stormers will face running-orientated game plan from the Lions.

“It’s going to be quite an open running game if the Lions get their way. And that will probably suit Nemo with the way he likes to play,” Rhodes said.

“I’m looking forward to playing with him, because he is an exciting player and he is good in linking up with the backs. He will add another dimension to the loose trio.”

However, that will add extra responsibility on Rhodes’ shoulders to head up the Stormers’ physical onslaught alongside skipper Vermeulen.

But Rhodes is used to bringing the heat, as he regularly plays in the No 4 jersey as well.

“The loss to Rynhardt is massive for us, because he plays to the ball and is very physical,” Rhodes said. “With him missing, I might have to change my game a little bit and play a little bit more towards the ball and fill the gap he left.

“I’m quite happy about how my game has been in these first two rounds, and I’m just looking to build on it as well,” he added.

In the only other change to the starting line-up, hooker Bongi Mbonambi will make his first start for the Stormers.

The former Bulls player, who replaces Scarra Ntubeni in the front row, has made a few cameo appearances off the bench and impressed with his work-rate and ability to poach the ball on the ground. However, his line-out throwing wasn’t too flash against the Blues, although Ntubeni also struggled in that match.

Coetzee confirmed that the change is strictly rotational, and that Ntubeni didn’t pay the price for their below par display in the line-outs.

“It’s basically rotation, but I must say that ever time Bongi got onto the field he made an impact.”