Stormers need Taute to deliver
Taute, who has struggled for form in recent years, will make his first appearance this season for the Cape side against the Melbourne Rebels on Saturday.
He fought his way back from a pre-season knee injury and replaces regular fullback Cheslin Kolbe, who is on national Sevens duty.
The 25-year-old did get some valuable game time with Western Province in the Currie Cup Qualifying tournament in recent weeks to help him regain his fitness.
Fleck had the option of selecting promising talents Grant Hermanus and EW Viljoen for their tour to Australia, but instead went with the safer options of the more experienced Taute and Scott van Breda.
Utility back Huw Jones was another option for the fullback berth, however, Fleck said the youngster joined the squad too late from his commitments with the Scotland national team.
"The fullback position has been a concern for a while," said Fleck via teleconference from Melbourne.
"We knew that Cheslin [Kolbe] was leaving us and with all the injuries that we've had, we had to dig deep and see who was around in the system.
"We know that we got some good youngsters coming through the ranks with the likes of Grant Hermanus and EW Viljoen, but with the young backline that we have got, we were obviously looking for some experience and Jaco [Taute] has played Super Rugby before.
"Yes, it has been while since he has played there [fullback], but what this team needs right now is a bit of leadership and a bit of motivation from a senior player."
With the Bulls breathing down their necks in Africa Conference One, the Stormers will be looking to win all their remaining games to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.
After their meeting with the Rebels, they play the Western Force in Perth before finishing the league phase with a home match against the Southern Kings.
"There is literally three games left and we need to give absolutely everything in every game in order to qualify for the quarterfinals.
"The main thing for us is that we need to gain momentum on the field and off the field. It is three crucial weeks and the team is really excited to get back and playing together.
"We got some plans in place and we are excited to have the Springboks back."
The Stormers welcomed a number of players back from international duty this week and Fleck believes the Springboks' series victory over Ireland could rub off on his own team.
"They [Springboks] had quite a tough series to be honest," said Fleck. "I think emotionally, mentally and physically they took a bit of a battering. They had to really dig deep to win that series against a decent Irish side.
"They have been playing Test rugby, which I guess is a good thing for us because they will lift the intensity a bit.
"I guess we got a bit of momentum on our side with regards to that. They got to come back and set the standards."
By Warren Fortune
@FortuneWarren
@rugby365com
