The DHL Stormers are not taking the Neo Africa Tri Series lightly as a near full strength team has been announced to face the Lione on Friday.
In what is a very experienced backline, the only player that truly stands out is young Gary van Aswegen, who has been selected at flyhalf in the absence of first choice Peter Grant who is stuck in Japan playing for the Kobe Steelers for the next three weeks at least.
De Jongh and de Villiers make for a formidable centre combination for a team that will hope to build on their 2010 efforts and reach another set of playoffs in Super Rugby.
Another player that may seem to be out of place is flanker Rynardt Elstadt, who forms part of a super back three with Duane Vermeulen and Captain Schalk Burger.
Brok Harris, Tiaan Liebenberg and newcomer CJ van de Linde will form a front row that will be keen to prove they have what it takes to dominate opposition.
Stormers Team:
Conrad Jantjes, Gio Aplon, Juan de Jongh, Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana, Gary van Aswegen, Ricky Januarie, Duane Vermeulen, Rynardt Elstadt, Schalk Burger (capt), Andries Bekker, De Kock Steenkamp, Brok Harris, Tiaan Liebenberg and CJ Van de Linde.
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Rynaardt Elstadt – a name that sticks in my mind for all the wrong reasons of being the ultimate thug in last years Vodacom Cup game againt the Pampas 15. Even poor Robbie Kempson was gobsmacked with what he got away with. Anyway its a new year, lets hope he has grown a bit.
quite a lineup that
Of course they’re taking this seriously – its the first trophy of the season!
They are risking almost every first team player in this outing..
I really hope this will not come back to bite them in the arse..
Just saw Tank Lanning tweeting that Anton v Zyl dislocated his shoulder and will be out for 6 weeks.
@VinChainSaw (Comment 3) : and the one they are most likely to win!
@Pokkel (Comment 5) : oh man!
Gary van Aswegen. I love it! I can’t stand the Stormers, but have plenty of time for v Aswegen. I hope he has a blinder.
Wonder who the Ref might be for friday night?
@beet (Comment 8) : Thought he was injured or was that mind games on the part of Allister?
@VinChainSaw (Comment 3) : And probably the only one as well.
@Original Champion (Comment 10) : I had no idea he was suppose to be injured. Mindgames at this stage of the season seem pointless tho’. I do think that the flyhalf saga is so important to resolve that this selection is an indication that Gary vA will be the pivot in both games and when their SR season kicks off.
@Pokkel (Comment 6) : @KSA Shark © (Comment 11) :
See you boys at the business end of the season…
@Pokkel (Comment 5) :
That is a seriously kak injury because it never heals properly.
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 4) : I don’t.
I wonder if they plan to play a mainly 2nd string team in the next game
It must be added that 28 player squads will be played with.
So expect a completely second string team after half time.
@beet (Comment 12) : I don`t really care, at this stage I just need to see some rugby. Come On Friday Night!!
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 17) :
That’s true. Just saw the bench, it’s like the who’s who of WP junior rugby.
Replacements: 16 Siyabonga Ntubeni, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Frans Malherbe, 19 Wimpie Van Der Walt, 20 Quinn Roux, 21 Pieter Louw, 22 Siya Kolisi, 23 Louis Schreuder, 24 Elgar Watts, 25 Johann Sadie, 26 Tim Whitehead, 27 JJ Engelbrecht, 28 Danie Poolman.
@Original Champion (Comment 18) : I’m reading ur comment and thinking that I won’t be surprised to one day find out that you are the founder of the” RA” – Rugby Anonymous – a rehab organisation developed from ur own experiences to help fellow supporters get thru the offseason
@beet (Comment 20) :
Don`t give me any ideas!
Allister on radio clip ” Anton van Zyl will be out for 5 weeks, hopefully a little less er but definately 5 weeks ” . . .
So it`s 5 weeks then?
What happened to Flow? Has he gone to Bath already?
@Mocho (Comment 23) : Flo, Fourie, Van Zyl and Duvenage are injured. I’d like to know where Nick Koster is
The Stormers and the Sharks to top the conference. When a team loses 2 finals, that hunger can only drive them forward.
@beet (Comment 24) :
Koster is also injured from what I hear..
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 26) : How many senior rugby matches has Koster actually played?? I can’t remember seeing more than about 3!! Is a pity I think he has a lot of potential.
@beet (Comment 24) : and juan de jong ?
@Zibbie (Comment 28) : de Jongh is playing if that is what you asked.
Wonder if they’ll be using the new & improved official jersey?
And will we see any photos?
@Pokkel (Comment 29) :
sorry miss read ..