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Stephen Nell
Cape Town – “Every time one of our top players has been injured, the player that came in performed very well. We have full confidence in the team playing this weekend.”
With those words Stormers coach Allister Coetzee gave his full backing to Tim Whitehead ahead of Saturday’s Super 14 match against the Sharks in Durban.
Whitehead replaces Bryan Habana, who injured his ribs in last week’s 42-14 defeat of the Crusaders.
“Bryan is a top-class player and it will always be a bit of a setback to lose someone like him. The injury is not very serious and there is a strong possibility that he will play next week,” said Coetzee.
Whitehead’s inclusion is the only change to the starting line-up.
Joe Pietersen, who last played six weeks ago against the Cheetahs, returns on the substitutes bench after recovering from a hip injury.
Gio Aplon has excelled at fullback in Pietersen’s absence.
“Joe has not played for a while, but he understands our systems very well. His fitness is definitely not a problem,” said Coetzee.
“Gio performed well at fullback and it will be good to phase Joe back in like we did with Juan de Jongh.”
Whitehead made his debut at inside centre in De Jongh’s absence against the Cheetahs and has featured in six games. He also performed well when he suddenly had to replace Habana in the second half against the Crusaders.
“Tim is a natural footballer. His skills will allow him to slot in on the wing comfortably,” said Coetzee.
The coach expects strong opposition from the Sharks, even though they are no longer in the running for the semifinals after their loss against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld last week.
That is why the Stormers are not focusing on a possible semi-final just yet.
“The Sharks are going to come out fighting. There is a lot at stake for them - pride, places in the Springbok team and the match is being played at the Absa Stadium,” said Coetzee.
“It will be a huge mistake to look beyond this game. We will first have to deal with the Sharks’ physical onslaught and flair.”
Coetzee also does not want his side to focus on the log permutations.
“There are still areas in which we can improve from last week. I’m disappointed with the manner in which the Crusaders were able to stop our mauls by knocking the blockers away. It’s one of our strengths and we have to get it right.”
Cape Town – “Every time one of our top players has been injured, the player that came in performed very well. We have full confidence in the team playing this weekend.”
With those words Stormers coach Allister Coetzee gave his full backing to Tim Whitehead ahead of Saturday’s Super 14 match against the Sharks in Durban.
Whitehead replaces Bryan Habana, who injured his ribs in last week’s 42-14 defeat of the Crusaders.
“Bryan is a top-class player and it will always be a bit of a setback to lose someone like him. The injury is not very serious and there is a strong possibility that he will play next week,” said Coetzee.
Whitehead’s inclusion is the only change to the starting line-up.
Joe Pietersen, who last played six weeks ago against the Cheetahs, returns on the substitutes bench after recovering from a hip injury.
Gio Aplon has excelled at fullback in Pietersen’s absence.
“Joe has not played for a while, but he understands our systems very well. His fitness is definitely not a problem,” said Coetzee.
“Gio performed well at fullback and it will be good to phase Joe back in like we did with Juan de Jongh.”
Whitehead made his debut at inside centre in De Jongh’s absence against the Cheetahs and has featured in six games. He also performed well when he suddenly had to replace Habana in the second half against the Crusaders.
“Tim is a natural footballer. His skills will allow him to slot in on the wing comfortably,” said Coetzee.
The coach expects strong opposition from the Sharks, even though they are no longer in the running for the semifinals after their loss against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld last week.
That is why the Stormers are not focusing on a possible semi-final just yet.
“The Sharks are going to come out fighting. There is a lot at stake for them - pride, places in the Springbok team and the match is being played at the Absa Stadium,” said Coetzee.
“It will be a huge mistake to look beyond this game. We will first have to deal with the Sharks’ physical onslaught and flair.”
Coetzee also does not want his side to focus on the log permutations.
“There are still areas in which we can improve from last week. I’m disappointed with the manner in which the Crusaders were able to stop our mauls by knocking the blockers away. It’s one of our strengths and we have to get it right.”
