Cape Town - Stormers backline coach Robbie Fleck is excited about the amount of depth available to the Cape franchise this year.

"This is one of the strongest Stormers groups I've seen since my playing days," the former Springbok centre told Die Burger.

Fleck is particularly impressed with the backline players at his disposal, most notably Lions recruits Elton Jantjies and Jaco Taute, as well as utility back Damian de Allende.

"Elton and Jaco will give our backline something different and unique. Both play with flair and will make us considerably stronger. They both fitted in nicely and are thriving in our team culture.

"Damian as centre will also provide something different than Jean de Villiers and Juan de Jongh. It's very healthy. Damian can also play left or right wing, while Jaco can play fullback, inside or outside centre. We have a lot of depth at the back."

Flyhalf Jantjies and Peter Grant will be rotated during the season, with Fleck confirming that Grant may at times also wear the No 12 jersey.

Bok skipper De Villiers, who turns 32 on February 24, will also be carefully managed during the season.

The Stormers play two warm-up games against the Cheetahs (February 2 in Bloemfontein) and Boland (February 9 in Cape Town).

They start their Super Rugby campaign away to the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Friday, February 22.

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