Assistant coach Dawie Snyman expects the likes of Jurie Matthee, Wandisile Simelane and Keke Morabe to express themselves against Northampton Saints on Saturday.
The Stormers will face the Premiership log-leaders for the first time in an exhibition match at Franklin’s Gardens. Veteran prop Brok Harris will captain the team with an 11-man bench that has the versatile Hacjivah Dayimani down as backline cover.
Speaking in a Stormers conference this week, Snyman emphasised the strategic significance of the friendly in England, while allowing for experimentation without the typical pressure on the scoreboard.
“We would like to be comfortable with that if Jurie Matthee has to be selected at flyhalf in a playoff game [he is ready]. We are now giving him the opportunity to play with Dan [du Plessis] and Warrick [Gelant],” he told reporters.
“We give guys a bit of a chance to play, but also the opportunity to get exposure against a strong team in these conditions.”
PLUS: Dayimani to wing it for Stormers
Snyman acknowledged the hard work put in by Simelane to integrate into the Stormers’ systems, expressing confidence in the synergy between him and Du Plessis in midfield on Saturday.
“After joining us, Wandi worked hard for several weeks to master our systems. It’s good that he and Dan get the opportunity to play together,” he added.
“In our training sessions and the few matches he played, Wandi showed a lot of potential. We know what Dan is capable of. Wandi will thrive if Dan can create space for him.”
With an eye on development, Snyman highlighted the opportunity for No 8 Morabe to prove himself in a less pressured match situation.
He added: “Take Keke Morabe for example. He will play a lot of rugby for the Stormers. Keke got an opportunity against the Leicester Tigers and now here’s another one for him against the Saints.
“Then you practise things, but a player wants to prove himself in a match situation. For us to be able to do that this weekend is very valuable.
“It’s rare that you play a game where there is no pressure on the scoreboard or scoreboard. I think there is some freedom and we can try some exciting things.”
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
