“We had a few guys with flu earlier in the week but generally we have prepared well‚” Fleck said from the Stormers’ Auckland base.
Stormers coach Robbie Fleck made six changes to the side that narrowly lost 34-28 against the Hurricanes in Wellington last weekend‚ to face the Blues in what could be Fleck’s last game in New Zealand.
Coming close last week has given the Stormers some belief‚ but Fleck still rung the changes for the Blues challenge‚ which sees Sonny Bill Williams return to the bench with veteran Ma’a Nonu retaining his place in the midfield. Centre Daniel du Plessis returns to the starting lineup in place of Ruhan Nel while up front tighthead Wilco Louw rotates with Frans Malherbe dropping to the bench.
“We have a good‚ strong bench and the hope is to counter the Blues in those crucial last 20 minutes when NZ teams tend to step it up and finish strong.“I thought we finished stronger last weekend and had our chances to win it‚ but it will require another 80-minute performance. “With SP Marais on the bench Jean-Luc du Plessis will kick for goal‚ but we also have the option of Damian Willemse if needed.”
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Stormers lock Etzebeth ruled out of Hurricanes clashLock Eben Etzebeth has been withdrawn from the Stormers team to play against the Hurricanes on Saturday after failing the last stage of his concussion protocols.
Read more »
Etzebeth named to start but may still miss Hurricanes clashStormers coach Robbie Fleck will give experienced lock Eben Etzebeth as long as possible to be fit to face the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday.
Read more »
Stormers rue missed chances as injuries mountStormers coach Robbie Fleck would not be drawn on the decision to allow the try by referee Glen Jackson. He chose rather to lament his team’s few soft moments.
Read more »
Stormers' Eben Etzebeth ruled out of Hurricanes clashEtzebeth took a knock to the head in the victory over the Jaguares last weekend but was named in the team’s starting line-up on Thursday.
Read more »
Stormers lock Etzebeth ruled out of Hurricanes clashLock Eben Etzebeth has been withdrawn from the Stormers team to play against the Hurricanes on Saturday after failing the last stage of his concussion protocols.
Read more »
Sketchy late Beauden Barrett try gives 'Canes narrow win over StormersBeauden Barrett contributed 14 points from a try‚ three conversions and a penalty while Stormers wing SP Marais scored 13 points from three penalties and two conversions.
Read more »
Late Barrett try hands Hurricanes victory over StormersA late try and conversion from Beauden Barrett saw the Wellington Hurricanes end the Stormers' three-game win streak on Saturday.
Read more »
Stormers rue missed chances as injuries mountStormers coach Robbie Fleck would not be drawn on the decision to allow the try by referee Glen Jackson. He chose rather to lament his team’s few soft moments.
Read more »