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Can Coleman deliver for Stormers?

Cape Town - Demetri Catrakilis is considered crucial to the Stormers' chances of going deep in the playoffs in Super Rugby this season. 

The flyhalf's accuracy with the boot - out of hand and when kicking at goal - is a major asset for the 2015 South African conference champions. 

That would explain the collective gasp emitted by the Newlands faithful when the 25-year-old was forced to leave the field after colliding with Jaco Kriel in Saturday's 19-19 draw with the Lions. 

Word after the match was that Catrakilis was suffering from a concussion, and while his absence against the Sharks will not ruffle many feathers, his availability for the playoffs will be closely monitored. He should be good to go, but if he isn't then Kurt Coleman will likely be called upon. 

Coleman is considered a more attacking flyhalf than Catrakilis, but concerns over his goal kicking were once again highlighted when he missed a sitter of a penalty against the Lions on the stroke of half-time.

The reaction from the Newlands crowd couldn't have made things easier for Coleman, but coach Allister Coetzee is backing his man. 

"We’ve backed our group. We were never panicked about injuries ... we backed our players," Coetzee said of his approach to injuries this season.

"We know that Kurt has done well in the past so we have to back him. The thing about backing a player ... it’s easy to back him when things go well, but in tough times that’s when you’ve got to really back your players.

"Demi (Catrakilis) is probably out this weekend, so then it’s a great opportunity for Kurt to start again."

Coleman has featured in 14 matches for the Stormers this season, playing 355 minutes along the way. But the concerning statistic is that he has converted just 17 of his 29 shots at goal - a success ratio of just 58.6%. 

The Stormers play the Sharks in Durban on Saturday. The match kicks off at 19:10. 

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