Eagles to catch Coetzee's eye
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The Stormers' warm-up match against the SWD Eagles is a massive chance for Springbok Bevin Fortuin's men to get recognised by Allister Coetzee in an high exposure match.
The Eagles head coach and former Cheetahs man, Fortuin, who made his Springbok debut in 2006 against Ireland, spoke to rugby365 about what it means for his men to be playing one of the top teams in South Africa ahead of their Vodacom Cup season.
"If you look at the opposition we are playing against it is a huge opportunity for us to set the tone for our season," Fortuin told rugby365.
"We are going to be playing against guys who play at an international level and at Super Rugby level – that is definitely a higher intensity of rugby than the Vodacom Cup.
"This game will mean a lot for us because it will let my guys get used to that high intensity and will set us in the right direction."
The former Cheetahs' fullback has been trying to instil in his players what an incredible opportunity this match could be for the furthering of their rugby careers."I have tried to gauge my players feelings leading up to this match, but you can see it in the way we have been training and the intensity of our sessions – the guys are up for it," he went on.
"They know that this may be the chance of a lifetime for them.
"If one of them puts their hands up and the Stormers coach Allister Coetzee sees them and maybe invites them to train, or even puts them into the wider Stormers squad, it will be a huge opportunity!
"I told one of the guys the other day that if I still had the opportunity to play I would be giving 150 percent because they are playing against guys like Juan de Jongh, Damian de Allende and Duane Vermeulen – Who is probably the best No.8 in the world at this stage.
"I think they are keen for it and they are looking forward to it."
Fortuin is clearly hoping that any of his charges shine bright enough to get recognised by such an illustrious team as the Stormers, but he has made special mention of a trio of youngsters who he is especially looking forward to watching.
"I am looking forward to seeing how a guy like Kirsten Heyns goes at outside centre, he has come through the SWD Academy and I am really keen to see him play, I believe he can go all the way and is one for the future for South Africa," Fortuin added.
"My halfback pairing of Leighton Eksteen and Dillon Snell are two more to watch, they are both 20 years old and I can't wait to see what those two can do.
"Those three youngsters should provide plenty of excitement for the game."
By Darryn Pollock
@Darrynjack365
SWD Eagles: 15 Elric van Vuuren, 14 Clint Wagman, 13 Kirsten Heyns, 12 Luzuko Vulundli, 11 Alshaun Bock, 10 Leighton Eksteen, 9 Dillon Snell, 8 Zandre Jordaan, 7 Christo du Plessis (captain), 6 Junior Bester, 5 Mzwanele Zito, 4 Schalk Oelofse, 3 Pieter Stemmet, 2 Maruis Fourie, 1 Layle Delo.
Replacments – from: Wayne Khan, dextor Fahey, Ashley Buys, Grant le Roux, Lyndon Hartnick, Buran Parks, Dwayne Kelly, Daniel Robberts, Brian Skosana, Ashwin Scott.
Date: Friday, January 23
Venue: Oteniqua Park, George
Kick-off: 16.30 (14.30 GMT)
Referee: Quinton Immelman
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