World Cup-winning tighthead prop Frans Malherbe is among the Springboks returning for the DHL Stormers ahead of the Vodacom URC derby against the Bulls in Pretoria. DYLAN JACK reports.
Forwards coach Rito Hlungwani confirmed that – long-term absentee Ruhan Nel aside – the DHL Stormers have a near-fully fit squad to choose from for the North-South derby at Loftus Versfeld.
It means that Malherbe, who has yet to play for the Stormers since returning from the World Cup, could make his first appearance of the season on Saturday. Playmaking duo Manie Libbok and Damian Willemse and ball poacher Deon Fourie are also expected to return, having completed their mandatory resting period.
One of four Stormers who won the World Cup, Malherbe has already been available for selection since the beginning of the year, with his resting protocol completed by him sitting out the festive action. However, a reoccurrence of a back issue has prevented the veteran tighthead prop from playing, with the Stormers managing their centurion through the niggle.
“The level of competition in our team is fizzing. It’s really nice to have Frans back, highly experienced and he is probably one of the best tightheads in the world,” Hlungwani said. “That will definitely improve our environment and push Neethling to improve even more.”
Malherbe’s return does present the Stormers with a bit of a quandary, as he is essentially coming in from the cold, while Neethling Fouche, who has been in sensational form, has carried a heavy workload in his absence.
“Whether Frans starts or is on the bench, he will have a role to play. So will Neethling,” Hlungwani said. “I must also say that we’ve got a few youngsters back, like Sazi Sandi and Lee-Marvin Mazibuko. So it’s been a fight at training because everyone wants to prove themselves.
“Having Frans back is a big boost and it’s lifted the players to train even better.”
A major talking point ahead of the match is around the Stormers’ seven-game unbeaten run against the Bulls. The Stormers have not lost against a South African rival in the URC since last December.
“The winning streak that everyone is talking about isn’t something that we’ve discussed. That’s for social media,” Hlungwani said.
“Our focus is just on the job at hand, to go to Loftus and perform as well as we can.”
Photo: Cole Cruickshank/Gallo Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
