No free passage for Stormers' Boks
There is no 'free passage' for any player coming back, to get a starting spot at the Stormers.
Stormers coach Allister Coetzee, while happy to welcome back Springboks Frans Malherbe (ankle) and Siya Kolisi (hamstring) from injury, said they would have to "work hard" to reclaim starting places.
joined full team training on Monday. Their match fitness will dictate whether or not they come into the selection mix against the Blues.
There were no casualties from the impressive win over the Bulls in the opening round of Super Rugby action at the weekend – with locks Eben Etzebeth (chest) and Manuel Carizza (shoulder) on track to return for the Lions match in Round Three (February 28 in Johannesburg) and utility back Jaco Taute (knee) on course to return against the Sharks (March 7 in Cape Town).
Coetzee, speaking at the start of the team's build-up to their Round Two encounter with the Blues at Newlands on Saturday, said the stand-in players have really put their hands u.
"It's a healthy situation for us," Coetzee said, adding: "The so-called depth [back-up] players are performing like that. It creates great competition and a healthy rivalry.
"Those players outside the team understand they have to work hard in order to get back into the team."
Coetzee made it clear that no player, no matter what his reputation, walks straight back into the team.
"First and foremost, they need to be 100 percent physically in a position to produce the goods," the Stormers mentor said.
"We know their experience and capabilities, that's certainly not in question. However, it is important that they are fit.
"Just because you're a Springbok you can't just be there [in the team].
"We ask each and every player to produce a workrate and that is what they have to produce."
Coetzee admitted there will be high expectations after the big win over the Bulls.
"The reality is we've been in this situation before," he said, adding" It is a simple game and it's a way of life.
"If you become arrogant, then you will be cut down to size very, very quickly.
"It is the beginning of the season, it is just one game and you can't determine if you're a good team or a bad team after just one game.
"For us it is important to have that belief and to keep building on that. Confidence is important and you don't have to feel guilty or sorry if you're a confident team, but there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance.
"We believe in our processes and we are going to keep working on them.
"It is the start of our home campaign – we have a good record at Newlands and we want to make sure we keep that intact."
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