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Cape Town - Robbie Fleck has a fan in Gary Gold.
The Stormers coach is in his debut Super Rugby season after replacing Allister Coetzee, but he has started well with two wins against the Bulls and then the Cheetahs.
This weekend's clash against the Sharks is set to be Fleck's biggest test to date, but he has already displayed enough to suggest to Gold that he is the right man to take the Stormers forward.
"I do think that Fleckie has had his own influence on how he would like to see things done," Gold said.
"What I think he’s done really well is take the strengths from what Toetie (Allister Coetzee) left them … a very good set piece and defence … and using that as a foundation he’s expanded a little bit of his own attacking mind-set and the style he wants to play."
Gold said it was encouraging to see local coaches being backed in big jobs.
"As a South African I’m ecstatic that the Stormers have gone that route because I think Robbie is a smart guy," he said.
"He’s certainly done his apprenticeship. I’m really happy for him and for South African rugby that South African coaches are getting recognised."
The Sharks take on the Stormers at 17:15 at Newlands on Saturday.
