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Stormers to stick with Moller

Stephen Nell

Cape Town – The Stormers will stick with JD Moller at loosehead prop for Friday’s Super 14 match against the Chiefs in Hamilton.

Forwards coach Matt Proudfoot told Sport24 from Auckland that JC Kritzinger would undergo a fitness test on Tuesday after missing the weekend’s 33-21 win over the Blues at Eden Park because of a hamstring injury.

The Stormers aim to use Kritzinger as a substitute, in which case he will probably replace Argentine prop Eusebio Guinazu in the squad.

“We will start with JD again and stick to the blueprint with which we beat the Blues. We’d like to have a go at scrum time,” said Proudfoot.

Moller started the season as the Stormers’ third choice at loosehead prop behind Wicus Blaauw and Kritzinger, but there was nothing wrong with Saturday’s performance in the scrums.

However, it was in the lineouts where the Stormers really dominated. Proudfoot had special praise for Springbok lock Andries Bekker in that regard.

“Andries is becoming a very intelligent player and out-thinking his opponents. He’s managing to get into players’ heads and is growing in that role,” said Proudfoot.

Bekker will again be a key player in the Stormers’ onslaught in Hamilton, particularly as the New Zealand teams are vulnerable in the lineouts.

“The key to our success against the Blues was our physical abrasiveness. That is what was lacking the previous week against the Force,” said Proudfoot.

There is no reason that the Stormers cannot repeat their success this weekend, but desperation will make the Chiefs dangerous opponents. The Kiwis’ semi-final hopes will be dashed if they suffer another defeat and the Stormers can therefore expect a determined onslaught.

Proudfoot confirmed that scrumhalf Dewaldt Duvenage will definitely be fit for the Stormers. He left the field against the Blues because of severe cramping.
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