Stormers have 'something special' after latest injury blow
SPOTLIGHT: Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson had a huge smile on his face while explaining his midfield selection for Saturday’s blockbuster Champions Cup showdown against Stade Rochelais in Gqeberha.
Young gun Jonathan Roche will wear the No.12 jersey after Dan du Plessis was ruled out for six to eight weeks with a knee injury.
The 22-year-old Roche is seen as a player with a very promising future. He is already on Rassie Erasmus’ radar after being invited to a virtual Springbok alignment earlier this year.
He will partner with Ruhan Nel in the midfield on Saturday, while Wandisile Simelane will provide cover on the bench.
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“Dan Dup is out, Damian [Willemse] is out, and JL [Jean-Luc du Plessis] is out,” said Dobson.
“We could’ve gone with Ruhan at No.12 and Wandi at No.13, which worked well this season, but we think Jonny has something special.
“It might be completely unscientific, but you can just see him in that game making a tackle break, and his defence is outstanding.
“It’s going to be a physical game. He has no respect for his own body and he has X-factor.
“Wandi has done a great job for us, but Dan could be out for a couple of months. We need to build capacity there [in the midfield] going into the derbies [against the Lions and Bulls].
“We wanted to give Jonny a spin, and we think he is going to be great”
Meanwhile, Dobson revealed that a decision still needs to be made on whether to operate on Dan Du Plessis’s knee (MCL).
The good news for the Stormers is that key players will be returning soon.
Damian Willemse, Ruben van Heerden and Suleiman Hartzenberg are all expected back next week ahead of the United Rugby Championship clash against the Lions.
Dobson added: “At the back end of January, we should get Deon [Fourie], Keke Morabe and JL back.
“The only one I think that is a bit longer is Seabelo [Senatla]. I think he is back in March.”
