Stormers to surprise with young centre? 

SPOTLIGHT: Stormers forwards coach Rito Hlungwani hinted on Monday that promising centre Jonathan Roche might make his debut for the Cape franchise – possibly as soon as this weekend in the Champions Cup opener against Toulon.

Speaking at an online press conference on Monday, Hlungwani confirmed that new season captain Dan du Plessis is doubtful for this weekend’s clash.

Hlungwani also confirmed that Sasha Feinburg-Mngomezulu will miss the Toulon clash after suffering a head injury against the Sharks this past weekend.

“I think the other concern [apart from Feinburg-Mngomezul] would be Dan du Plessis,” Hlungwani told @rugby365com

“He limped off towards the end of the game, were still waiting on feedback, but those two at the moment are probably doubtful.”

The good news is that Deon Fourie would most likely be ready for the URC clash against the Lions at Cape Town Stadium on December 21 Hlungwani confirmed.

Hlungwani hinted that they’ll give one or two younger centres a shot in the near future, despite their lack of experience – one of them being a standout in the 2024 Currie Cup before he got injured.

“Ruhan Nel covers outside [centre], Suleiman [Hartzenberg] , JL [Jean Luc] du Plessis is around, Wandi [Wandisile] Simelane, Johnny [Jonathan] Roche was pretty good in the Currie Cup, Josh Boulle SA U20 is pretty decent.

“It might also be a nice time to give a youngster who shows potential a run, so we’ve got quite a bit in terms of inside centre.”

Hlungwani hinted that Roche’s time might be sooner than many would anticipate and like the other youngsters mentioned, would be in line for a possible Stormers debut this season.

“I think he’s ready, it’s just a matter of us being brave and giving him an opportunity.

“We can’t wait until the kid is 23/24,  I think when a good opportunity present itself we have to give him a run…decent player and a very good player.”