Carr back of the queue

 

Carr suffered from a virus in the early stages of the Super Rugby pre-season with the Stormers, and has been unable to find the scintillating form he displayed which made him a Springbok not so long ago.

 

Coach Allister Coetzee is looking to beef up his pack with the inclusion of Eben Etzebeth and Duane Vermeulen – resulting in the fall-out of Carr.

 

When asked how important it is to have this double Bok boost, Coetzeesaid: "It is massively important… when you are playing a New Zealand side, one thing you can't take away from the game is really making sure you bring that physicality. 

 

"Eben and Duane will add to that. Hopefully it will strengthen the overall game as well in terms of mauling and defence, as well as making sure in our carries."

 

Carr was the favourite last season, playing in the openside flank role for the Stormers and was picked ahead of the then struggling Siya Kolisi. 

 

However the tables have turned this season, with Kolisi beginning to bring that physicality and x-factor that saw him have such a magnificent 2013 year.

 

Coetzee commented on Kolisi's return of form saying: "He [Kolisi] has done well, and his game is picking up.

 

"He is strong in defence and he's a guy we need back in the team.

 

"If you look at your most physical loose forward trio on offer for us, then that's what we have this weekend.

 

"With Michael Rhodes coming off the bench, and Schalk [Burger], Siya and Duane starting.

 

"They [the Hurricanes] have a good, mobile and physical loose forward trio as well, so we have to make sure we match that physicality."

 

When asked if it was difficult to explain Carr's absence in the fixture Coetzee said: "No, not at all, Duane is the Springbok No.8 while they both are Springbok No.8s.

 

"We want to have as much physicality as we can have against the Hurricanes. 

 

"Michael Rhodes brings an additional back-up at lock from the bench.

 

"Ruan [Botha] is a No.4 lock, but we can also use Rhodes there as well – so we are well covered." 

 

The Stormers coach said that both him and Carr are aware of the loose forward's slip in form.

 

Commenting on his lack of physicality and execution, Coetzee believes that he will bounce back. 

 

"I need Nizaam to be confident in his game, and he understands and he knows he has dropped off in terms of physicality.

 

"He has dropped off in terms of his accuracy and execution too, but we know he is a great player and he will get his form back.

 

"He's always a classy player and he will get back to form." Coetzee added. 

 

Coetzee believes his team is prepared for the game against the table-topping Hurricanes this coming weekend.  

 

"They are the best team in the competition at the moment.

 

"That's why they have gone six and zero.

 

They are really a confident side, they are playing at home and we need to pitch for the game.

 

"We are well prepared this time, we got a good plan going, we could be the first team to get one over them."

 

It will shape up to be a mouth-watering contest with the return of the All Blacks' Beauden Barrett, Ben Franks and Julian Savea to the Wellington franchise, ready to take on the beefed up pack from the Stormers.

 

@andrewslamdunc