The Stormers are keeping their selection cards firmly tucked away ahead of Friday night’s historic clash against the All Blacks.
Media speculation has linked Junior Springbok flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed with a possible starting role in the opening match of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, despite the world champion yet to make a senior appearance for the Stormers.
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But assistant coach Rito Hlungwani stopped short of confirming whether the 20-year-old will feature against New Zealand.
“Yaqeen is training with us. As you know, we normally announce the team later in the week.”
Ahmed is among several Junior Boks who have rejoined the Stormers after helping South Africa retain the World Rugby Junior Championship title in Georgia.
Hlungwani also confirmed that loosehead prop Olly Reid is back in training after missing the Stormers XXIII’s opening Currie Cup fixtures.
“Olly Reid is also training with us. Most of the Junior Boks who weren’t involved in the Currie Cup are back training with us.”
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The Stormers are also weighing up the fitness of several key forwards ahead of what promises to be a demanding encounter with Scott Robertson’s tourists.
Lock JD Schickerling has resumed training, but Hlungwani admitted the experienced second-rower may not be risked.
“JD is moving around well at training, but we’re not sure if we want to push him for this game.”
There was also encouraging news on Junior Bok captain Riley Norton, who recently returned from an injury he picked up while in the Springbok camp ahead of the Nations Championship.
“Riley is also back running after his injury with the Springboks, but again we’re not sure if we want to risk him this weekend.”
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Should Schickerling and Norton not be ready, the Stormers still have several options available in the second row.
“Adré [Smith] is available, Connor Evans is available, and Ruan Ackermann has played lock before, so we do have options.”
Western Province has a famous history against the All Blacks, highlighted by a legendary 12-11 upset win in 1976.
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
The post Stormers stay coy on Yaqeen call appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Stormers are keeping their selection cards firmly tucked away ahead of Friday night’s historic clash against the All Blacks.
The post Stormers stay coy on Yaqeen call appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
