VIDEO: Stormers 'toying' with Willemse at 10
NORTH V SOUTH: The Stormers coaching team have a big decision to make ahead of their crucial fixture against the Bulls.
The Stormers, who are currently second on the log, face the in-form Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Friday.
A win for the Cape Town franchise will see them draw level with the Bulls, who suffered one defeat thus far.
To make things more challenging, the Stormers sit with their age-old conundrum.
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Who will don the No.10 jersey against the Bulls?
Promising flyhalf Abner van Reenen has produced eye-catching performances at 10 and is perhaps likely to start. However his place-kicking is a concern, especially against the likes of Morne Steyn and the Bulls.
The 27-year-old Tim Swiel is another attractive option.
The former Harlequins player has been an integral part of the Stormers’ two wins, kicking late penalities against Lions and Sharks, respectively.
Swiel is certainly one that can handle pressure situations.
However, given their luck in this area, Stormers assistant coach Lebeeb Levy revealed that Damian Willemse is an additional option that could be deployed at 10 this Friday.
Willemse played flyhalf during the Super Rugby Unlocked challenge before being move to fullback after Warrick Gelant’s injury.
“To be honest, we have been toying with flyhalf,” Levy told reporters when quizzed about the position.
“Abner has been running there, Damian has got an opportunity [during training] because anything can happen in the game, so you have to be prepared if something happens to the 10 that we selected.
“Although Damian is the fifteen, but in the event that we need to adjust we will utilise him at 10.”
He added: “Obviously Tim Swiel also had an opportunity during training,
“It is still a discussion point and nothing has been finalized.”
The Stormers will name their team to face the Bulls on Thursday.
@rugby365com
