Aerial threat worries Fleck
by Criag Ray,
2016-03-18 05:00:00.0
WING Kobus van Wyk was recalled to the Stormers’ starting line-up to deal with an expected aerial bombardment from the Brumbies in Saturday’s Super Rugby meeting at Newlands.
The Australian pacesetters are in town in a repeat of last year’s play-off when they brushed the Stormers aside comfortably, and hometown coach Robbie Fleck believes they will pose an aerial threat again.
"Kobus is back to full fitness after a slight injury, but there is a tactical element to the choice," Fleck said. "He was the original first choice before his injury, but his size and aerial skills count in his favour for the match."
SA under-20 wing Leolin Zas drops to the bench. Scrumhalf Jano Vermaak also misses out due to a neck injury, allowing a first start of the season for Nic Groom.
Up front though, Fleck has kept faith in the same pack that started in last week’s 18-13 loss to the Sharks. That pits openside Nizaam Carr against the formidable David Pocock in one of the day’s key match-ups.
Carr spoke earlier in the week about the need to neutralise Pocock collectively, but even so, Scott Fardy is another menace at the breakdown, so the Stormers trio with Schalk Burger and Siya Kolisi will have to be in top form. The result could hinge on small margins and ruthlessness in attack.
Picture: THINKSTOCK
WING Kobus van Wyk was recalled to the Stormers’ starting line-up to deal with an expected aerial bombardment from the Brumbies in Saturday’s Super Rugby meeting at Newlands.
The Australian pacesetters are in town in a repeat of last year’s play-off when they brushed the Stormers aside comfortably, and hometown coach Robbie Fleck believes they will pose an aerial threat again.
"Kobus is back to full fitness after a slight injury, but there is a tactical element to the choice," Fleck said. "He was the original first choice before his injury, but his size and aerial skills count in his favour for the match."
SA under-20 wing Leolin Zas drops to the bench. Scrumhalf Jano Vermaak also misses out due to a neck injury, allowing a first start of the season for Nic Groom.
Up front though, Fleck has kept faith in the same pack that started in last week’s 18-13 loss to the Sharks. That pits openside Nizaam Carr against the formidable David Pocock in one of the day’s key match-ups.
Carr spoke earlier in the week about the need to neutralise Pocock collectively, but even so, Scott Fardy is another menace at the breakdown, so the Stormers trio with Schalk Burger and Siya Kolisi will have to be in top form. The result could hinge on small margins and ruthlessness in attack.
Change: 1.19%
Change: 1.36%
Change: 2.19%
Change: 1.49%
Change: -0.77%
Data supplied by Profile Data
Change: -0.19%
Change: 0.69%
Change: 1.19%
Change: 0.00%
Change: 0.44%
Data supplied by Profile Data
Change: 0.62%
Change: 0.61%
Change: 0.23%
Change: 0.52%
Change: 0.12%
Data supplied by Profile Data
Change: -0.21%
Change: -1.22%
Change: -0.69%
Change: -0.51%
Change: 0.07%
Data supplied by Profile Data