A Stormers stalwart will bring the curtain down on his playing career after Friday night’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry clash against the All Blacks in Cape Town.
Director of rugby John Dobson confirmed on Thursday that veteran scrumhalf Dewaldt Duvenage will make his final appearance for the Stormers before moving into a full-time coaching role.
The 38-year-old has been named on the bench for the tour opener at Cape Town Stadium.
“I think this will be his last game for the Stormers and what a way to finish,” Dobson said. “It will be his last game unless we get a run of injuries.”
Dobson said the decision was driven by the Stormers’ long-term planning, with Imad Khan, Cobus Reinach, Stefan Ungerer and rising youngster Ezekiel Ngobeni all in the scrumhalf mix.
“Imad has come through so well, and Cobus is coming back,” he said. “Stefan is good, and then Ezekiel is coming on really strong.”
Dobson rejected suggestions that Duvenage’s inclusion against the All Blacks was purely a farewell gesture.
“People are thinking I am being sentimental by choosing Dewaldt. The answer is no,” he said.
“The reason we did it is that we have to put out a good team against the Cheetahs in the Currie Cup. I wanted Jean-Luc du Plessis, who is the Currie Cup captain, to play and I wanted Stefan.
“I know it’s miserable for them. Stefan and JL were both disappointed – everyone wants to play this game.”
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Duvenage will take up a coaching role overseeing the attack structures in the Stormers’ pathways, U23 and Currie Cup teams.
“He will finish and go and coach,” Dobson said. “He is a great servant and what a way for him to finish.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post Stormers veteran to retire after All Blacks clash appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
A Stormers stalwart will bring the curtain down on his playing career after Friday night’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry clash against the All Blacks in Cape Town.
The post Stormers veteran to retire after All Blacks clash appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
