The Stormers have endured a very poor Australasian tour thus far losing three games on the trot including a less than impressive performance against the Reds on Friday.
Injuries and absentees have come thick and fast for the Capetonians, losing key figures last week such as Eben Etzebeth (Calf) and Pieter Steph-Du toit who flew home for the birth of his child. This week is no different as captain Siya Kolisi is to be rested as part of Springbok protocol ahead of the world cup.
Other than the household names there has been a whopping total of seven players who have returned to Cape Town during the tour. Dan du Plessis, JD Schickerling and this week SP Marais and Chris Van Zyl are all amongst the casualties.
This is cause of great concern for coach Robbie Fleck as his chargers take on the red-hot Rebels in their final game on tour. The depth of the squad is certainly to be tested as Fleck searches for a stand-in captain let alone an experienced enough 23 to face a Quade Cooper inspired side.
Assistant coach, Paul Feeney reinforced the media of the experience within the current squad.
‘We’ve still got experience, depending on who is starting. In the front row we’ve got Steven Kitshoff, Bongi (Mbonambi) and Frans (Malherbe) and there is a lot of experience there, said Feeney on Monday.
‘Obviously through the locks and the loosies we will be lacking some experience, but up front there are still some good leaders.’
‘In the backs we have Damian de Allende and Jean-Luc (Du Plessis) has a very good brain on him as well.’
The Stormers face the Melbourne Rebels on Friday before returning home where they will host Brumbies at Newlands a week later.
