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Cape Town - Dillyn Leyds believes that the youngsters coming through at the Stormers this season are 'freakish'.
Under-21 players JD Schickerling and Leolin Zas impressed against the Bulls coming off the bench last Saturday, while the likes of Jean-Luc and Daniel du Plessis are waiting in the wings.
In Saturday's starting line-up, 22-year-olds Sikhumbuzo Notshe and Robert du Preez also made the step up to the big leagues, and it all leaves the Stormers with a very youthful look.
"This Under-21 year was a freakish year. A guy like JD (Schickerling) and what he’s been through ... to come out and throw your body around like that just epitomises the whole 'fearless' thing we’re going for," Leyds said this week.
"There are guys stepping up ... guys waiting in the ranks for their opportunity. It is a great thing for this union going forward ... there is a lot of young talent coming through.
"Guys like Daniel and Jean-Luc (Du Plessis) are also waiting for their chance, and they are desperate to make a name for themselves."
Zas, meanwhile, looks set to replace the injured Kobus van Wyk in this week's side that will take on the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
The Stormers have lost on their last three trips to Bloemfontein, and Leyds is very much aware of the challenges.
"The Stormers haven’t won up there in recent years ... it’s definitely a point we’ve noted," he said.
"They also want to play an expansive brand of rugby and they’re known for it. They’re a side that goes for it and has nothing to lose so they just want to throw the ball around.
The Stormers are set to announce their side on Thursday afternoon.
