Stephen Nell

Cape Town – Western Province’s forwards did not take a step back for anyone in last year’s Currie Cup, but that is no guarantee of success in the Super14.

“The Currie Cup is a sentimental competition, but the Super14 is where you measure yourself against the world’s best,” said Stormers forwards coach Matthew Proudfoot.

“If that is what you want in life, you simply have to take the step up to the next level. The same questions will be asked of me as coach. We all have to take the step up to the next level.”

The front row of Wicus Blaauw, Tiaan Liebenberg and Brock Harris emerged as a brilliant unit in the Currie Cup.

Liebenberg is a proven Super14 player, but Blaauw is still a greenhorn and Harris will be out to show that he is among the country’s leading tighthead props.

But the big issue in the Super14 is depth. Last year, for example, the Stormers experienced a serious injury crisis at tighthead prop, with Harris, Brian Mujati and JC Kritzinger simultaneously injured. This forced them to pick Blaauw at No 3.

Proudfoot is working on building on the Stormers’ front-row depth. Kritzinger remains a versatile prop option, while JD Moller is being taught to play tighthead. Moller will be asked to play tighthead in a warm-up game.

“JD will play tighthead. I played both sides as a player and you have to be willing to use the opportunity when it comes your way,” said Proudfoot.

“JD is very strong and is adapting well to what I’m teaching him. I believe he has the ability to play tighthead. The same applies to JC and we’re still continuing working with both as looseheads. We don’t want to find ourselves in a position where we lose two props in as many games.”

The Stormers also have the option of using Argentine prop Eusebio Guinazu. He is contracted at Boland, but has not been at the Stormers’ training camp in recent days.

“He worked with us at the end of last year, but was a bit late in arriving back due to personal problems,” said Proudfoot.

“He looks like a nice player, but I’d like to see a bit more of him in live scrumming sessions. I will have the opportunity to assess him over the next few weeks. I am comfortable that JD and JC are both training as tightheads.”

As far as hooker is concerned, Deon Fourie will back up Liebenberg. Callie Visagie is set to be third choice.

Hopefully the front row of Blaauw, Liebenberg and Harris can build up some steam before the Stormers have to call on the reserves.

“Wicus, Tiaan and Brock did very well in the Currie Cup. The challenge for the rest is to reach that level. Hopefully it can spur Wicus, Tiaan and Brock to an even higher level.”