Schreuder's shot on the big stage

 

Having played off the bench behind Nic Groom in the Stormers four consecutive wins this season, Schreuder and flyhalf Kurt Coleman have been handed a starting gig in the last game before the Cape side go on tour.

 

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee made it clear that the change was 'purely rotational', with Schreuder and Coleman having earned the opportunity with some convincing performances to close games out in the last month.

 

"It is a purely rotational selection to give Louis and Kurt an opportunity. As a halfback combination off the bench they have really done well. They have either won the game for us or closed it out.

 

"They have really done well and I think they deserve a start. I think they are experienced enough, it is a great opportunity to see how they go," he said.

 

Schreuder has been in the Stormers squad since 2011 without ever really getting an extended run in the starting team, and with rumours doing the rounds that Groom is looking to play abroad next season he has a chance to show that he can take ownership of the No.9 jersey in the long-term.

 

The former age-group star knows that he has the ideal situation in which to make a big impression, coming into a confident side and playing against top opposition that should provide a serious test.

 

"For me it is just about keeping the momentum up and contributing as much as I can to the team. Just keep that ball rolling and keep the Stormers top of the log.

 

"The Chiefs are up there every year and they are probably the trendsetters every year, they have got good coaches, good structures, a lot of All Blacks so it would be a massive boost for us before going on tour and facing two more New Zealand teams," he said.

 

Known for his abilities as a tactical kicker, he is also looking forward to linking up with Coleman and measuring themselves against the classy Chiefs halfbacks.

 

"Me and Kurt have got a good relationship, off-field we are good friends and I think we have done well so far in the closing role, finishing in the last 20 minutes.

 

"Kurt is also a good kicker and he is a good baller, he is a good passer and I think both of us can speed up the game well and get that quick attacking rugby going so I think we complement each other well.

 

"He is a good communicator, he attacks the advantage line nice and direct, so it is lekker to play with a flyhalf like him.

 

"Cruden is a top class flyhalf and Augustine Pulu is a good scrumhalf who has been in the Chiefs set-up for four or five years already. They have obviously got their gameplan sorted and got their roles and I think they are quality players who will obviously do their part," he said.

 

Stormers captain Duane Vermeulen said that he is hoping Schreuder and Coleman will be able to move the Chiefs pack around the park in what is expected to be a hot afternoon in Cape Town.

 

"I can't remember when last we played a three o'clock game, it is going to be hot, it is going to be tough and it is going to be humid out there.

 

"They have got a very heavy pack, so in playing Kurt [Coleman] and Louis [Schreuder] we can move their pack around," he said.

 

Many people raised their eyebrows when Schreuder was called up to train with the Springboks in 2013, and if he is going to make the step up as a real contender he will not have many better opportunities to do so than this weekend.