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Stephen Nell
Cape Town - With one of the most important games of the season fast approaching, the Stormers are still unsure whether they will be able to select their first-choice halfback pairing of Dewaldt Duvenage and Peter Grant.
Stormers coach Allister Coetzee said that a call on their availability for Saturday's Super Rugby match against the Bulls at Newlands, as well as that of Springbok prop CJ van der Linde, would be made on Tuesday.
None of the three experienced any problems running on their own on Monday.
"Dewies, Peter and CJ are all looking good. They will take part in Tuesday's field session. The chances are very good that all three of them will be available. However, it will depend of how they come through our rugby-specific session," said Coetzee.
Earl Rose is still training with the Stormers, which is an indication that no risks are being taken. Grant's experience could be of massive value against the Bulls, but Kurt Coleman did very well against the Melbourne Rebels.
"The Bulls are an experienced side and experience is important in derby games," said Coetzee.
"I am very satisfied with the progress that Kurt has made. If Peter is not ready, I have no doubt that Kurt will be the answer."
For Coleman just to be involved is actually quite remarkable. He kicked off the season as replacement flyhalf in the Western Province Vodacom Cup team. Sam Lane then wore WP's No 10 jersey.
Gary van Aswegen, Lionel Cronjé and Boland player Elgar Watts fought it out for the position of Grant's deputy at the beginning of the season.
Watts probably dropped out of contention because of poor goal-kicking, while Van Aswegen, Cronjé and Lane have subsequently all picked up serious knee injuries.
The Stormers will draw confidence from beating the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld earlier this year, but the Cape side has also taken note of the subsequent huge improvement in the Bulls' play.
"There is definitely an upward curve at the Bulls. Their execution is much better now and there has also been an improvement in their set phases. The Bulls are scrumming very well now and their lineout play is also excellent," said Coetzee.
The Stormers coach did not want to discuss the log in any depth, even if defeats for the Blues and Reds on Saturday ensured that the Stormers still have a decent chance of eventually finishing on top of the overall log.
"There is still a lot to play for and eight teams are in the race. I don't want us to take our eye off the ball."
Coetzee also emphasised the important of good physical recovery following the four-week tour of Australasia.
"It's going to be a big physical clash again. The recovery of the players is important. We want them refreshed - psychologically and physically."
Cape Town - With one of the most important games of the season fast approaching, the Stormers are still unsure whether they will be able to select their first-choice halfback pairing of Dewaldt Duvenage and Peter Grant.
Stormers coach Allister Coetzee said that a call on their availability for Saturday's Super Rugby match against the Bulls at Newlands, as well as that of Springbok prop CJ van der Linde, would be made on Tuesday.
None of the three experienced any problems running on their own on Monday.
"Dewies, Peter and CJ are all looking good. They will take part in Tuesday's field session. The chances are very good that all three of them will be available. However, it will depend of how they come through our rugby-specific session," said Coetzee.
Earl Rose is still training with the Stormers, which is an indication that no risks are being taken. Grant's experience could be of massive value against the Bulls, but Kurt Coleman did very well against the Melbourne Rebels.
"The Bulls are an experienced side and experience is important in derby games," said Coetzee.
"I am very satisfied with the progress that Kurt has made. If Peter is not ready, I have no doubt that Kurt will be the answer."
For Coleman just to be involved is actually quite remarkable. He kicked off the season as replacement flyhalf in the Western Province Vodacom Cup team. Sam Lane then wore WP's No 10 jersey.
Gary van Aswegen, Lionel Cronjé and Boland player Elgar Watts fought it out for the position of Grant's deputy at the beginning of the season.
Watts probably dropped out of contention because of poor goal-kicking, while Van Aswegen, Cronjé and Lane have subsequently all picked up serious knee injuries.
The Stormers will draw confidence from beating the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld earlier this year, but the Cape side has also taken note of the subsequent huge improvement in the Bulls' play.
"There is definitely an upward curve at the Bulls. Their execution is much better now and there has also been an improvement in their set phases. The Bulls are scrumming very well now and their lineout play is also excellent," said Coetzee.
The Stormers coach did not want to discuss the log in any depth, even if defeats for the Blues and Reds on Saturday ensured that the Stormers still have a decent chance of eventually finishing on top of the overall log.
"There is still a lot to play for and eight teams are in the race. I don't want us to take our eye off the ball."
Coetzee also emphasised the important of good physical recovery following the four-week tour of Australasia.
"It's going to be a big physical clash again. The recovery of the players is important. We want them refreshed - psychologically and physically."
