A key part of the Stormers’ preparation for Friday’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry clash in Cape Town, utility back Suleiman Hartzenberg eyes more game time in the Currie Cup.
Hartzenberg returned to action in last week’s big win for the Stormers XXIII over the Sharks XV, completing more than 60 minutes, and is set to feature against the Cheetahs in round four of the competition at Athlone Stadium on Sunday.
The 23-year-old, who fractured his hand at the back-end of last season, made just seven appearances across the Vodacom URC and Investec Champions Cup in 2025-26.
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“Coming back from injury, I think the most important thing right now is more just to get game time,” Hartzenberg told reporters on Tuesday. “At the end of last season I didn’t play as many games.
“Returning from rehab now is just to get playing again and make the most of the opportunity to play in the Currie Cup, and just express myself.
“Whatever lies ahead with the new season, we’ll take it as it comes.”
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The electric outside back burst onto the scene four years ago, before a knee injury in April 2023 while playing for Western Province pumped the brakes on his rapid rise.
The former Junior Springboks speedster shed light on his latest setback and recovery: “I had a clean-out about six weeks ago, but I’m back now from that so that will be good.”
Renowned for his pace and elite finishing in the wide channels, Hartzenberg faces stiff opposition for a starting berth, but aims to harness his versatility to bolster his case for selection.
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“If they need me at centre, then I can jump in there, especially with how the game is going now,” he said. “Being versatile is probably better for me going forward. If I’m great at wing, I need to be great at 13 as well.”
With John Dobson’s Stormers side set to face the All Blacks at Cape Town Stadium on Friday, Stormers XXIII assistant coach Helmut Lehmann highlighted how the two camps have been training alongside each other this week.
“We are sharing the same place every day at the HPC, and there is excitement on the Currie Cup side … getting into this New Zealand-Stormers match week,” the forwards guru said.
“There is just a buzz around the coaches and players. You can say that the Cheetahs sometimes can play a lot like the All Blacks, with quick ball, so we are giving them good pictures.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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A key part of the Stormers’ preparation for Friday’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry clash in Cape Town, utility back Suleiman Hartzenberg eyes more game time in the Currie Cup.
The post Suleiman painting Dobbo an All Blacks picture appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
