The Stormers are weighing up a key selection decision ahead of their Investec Champions Cup last-16 clash against Toulon. LINDIZ VAN ZILLA reports.
Forwards coach Rito Hlungwani hinted on Tuesday that Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach could come into contention for Saturday’s showdown at the Stade Mayol.
While the Stormers will only announce their match 23 later this week, Hlungwani confirmed that Imad Khan will be one of three scrumhalves in the touring squad.
Pressed on the other two No 9s, Hlungwani remained coy. “We’ll announce the team on Friday. You can make your guesses, but we’ve got a few guys coming back into contention.”
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Reinach has been sidelined since early February after undergoing surgery for a groin hernia to address a long-standing issue.
Hlungwani confirmed that Reinach and wing Seabelo Senatla, who sustained a calf injury against the Dragons, were “running around”.
Stormers head coach John Dobson said last week that Reinach “will be back much sooner than we think. There’s a chance for Toulon.”
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The Stormers leave for France on Tuesday night for what Hlungwani described as a “massive challenge” against a Toulon side that remain dangerous despite sitting 11th on the Top 14 log.
“Look, Toulon are a very good team despite their results,” said Hlungwani. “They’ve got quality players all over – internationals, strong scrummagers – so we’re expecting a really tough game. There’s definitely no complacency from our side.”
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Hlungwani said the shift from the Vodacom URC, where the Stormers are second on the log, to the Champions Cup playoffs would not change their approach.
“It’s another game we want to win. We want to give it our best shot, like we have the past few weeks.”
The Stormers are confident they can match Toulon’s renowned physicality up front.
“They have some very good players like [England prop] Kyle Sinckler, who is a very strong scrummager, and [England flank] Lewis Ludlam. We also know [lock] Dave Ribbans quite well as he came through our system.
“We’re in a very good position in terms of our front-row depth, which is coming along nicely, and we are seeing some good results.”
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He added that fierce competition and regular scrummaging sessions have turned the Stormers’ front five into one of their most potent weapons.
“That competition at training is what drives performance on matchday,” he said.
Despite a few missed lineouts against Edinburgh, Hlungwani believes the set piece is trending in the right direction.
“It won’t always be perfect, but we’re generally happy,” he said. “We’re sitting near the top in terms of our lineout and contesting stats, and we just want to keep improving week by week.”
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
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