Schreuder offers 'something different'

Cape Town - For much of last year's Super Rugby season Stormers scrumhalf Louis Schreuder found himself playing behind Nic Groom. 

Then, in the Currie Cup under John Dobson, Schreuder moved even further down the pecking order as Jano Vermaak joined the ranks and Dobson was vocal on his willingness to give Godlen Masimla some exposure at senior level. 

Now with Vermaak (neck) and Groom (knee) both out injured, Schreuder has an opportunity to impress after he was named in the starting line-up for Friday's clash against the Sunwolves at Newlands. 

With Groom expected to be available again for next weekend's trip to Johannesburg to face the Lions, Schreuder will be looking to make the most of his chance. 

Masimla, meanwhile, will play off the bench. 

"He’s (Schreuder) been playing exceptionally well every time he’s come off the bench," Fleck said of his new No 9.

"He’s playing with a lot of freedom this year. I think he’s just realised that there are a lot of scrumhalves in the system and he’s had to fight hard.

"His attitude is that he is going to be fearless in his approach and I’m really happy with the way he has been playing. He’s got a solid kicking game and a good pass and he’s definitely speeding our attack up."

Fleck praised the work done by Groom so far this season, particularly on defence, but he was excited by what Schreuder would bring to the table on attack and in his new partnership with rookie flyhalf Jean-Luc du Plessis. 

"Louis brings something different on attack … a good rugby brain," Fleck said.

"And from what I’ve seen in training both Louis and Jean-Luc have a good partnership and a god understanding.

"They’re good mates off the field and they’ve been pretty good in training together. There’s something about this team that I’m pretty excited about."

Kick-off on Friday night is at 19:00.

Teams:

Stormers