Stormers get best of both worlds with highly-rated centre

SPOTLIGHT: Stormers coach Dawie Snyman is hoping Rikus Pretorius can fully develop in the senior team after a disrupted year.

The highly-rated young midfielder, who played in the Springbok Showdown at Newlands earlier this month, is already being tipped for big things.

Snyman and Pretorius’ midfield partner Dan du Plessis have both opened up on what fans can expect from the No.12.

“He can bring the physical side and he is actually quite fast as well,” said Du Plessis. “For a youngster, he has a good head on him as well. I think there are definitely big things to come from him.

“I am looking forward to playing next to him.”

For Snyman, Pretorius, 21, is a player who can command his position in the midfield with his versatility and understanding of the game.

“He has got a lot of potential. The plan this year was to give him a lot of game time in Super Rugby and that changed a bit, but now he is getting his opportunity,” said Snyman.

“He forms a good combination with Dan. He is quite versatile; he can be physical and take it to the gain line, but he can also contribute and find space around the field.

“He is a clever player, and he knows how to communicate. Even though he is quite young, he is a player who understands the game nicely.”

Injury update

Meanwhile, Snyman confirmed that Springbok star Pieter-Steph du Toit will not be featuring in the team any time soon.

Du Toit, 28, is continuing his rehabilitation from an injury he suffered against the Blues in February that nearly resulted in his leg being amputated.

READ: Stormers star remains on the sidelines

“At this stage, Pieter-Steph won’t be ready for selection. I still think he has got a bit to go,” Snyman revealed.

The Stormers will also be without backline players Ruhan Nel and Seabelo Senatla for their first Super Rugby Unlocked clash against the Lions in Cape Town this coming weekend.

The good news for John Dobson’s side is that loose forward Jaco Coetzee is back from his injury, while wing Sergeal Petersen is “available for selection”.