John Dobson has revealed the likely first outing for Stormers signing Haashim Pead, while shedding light on the return to action of Ben-Jason Dixon and Ntuthuko Mchunu.
The director of rugby spoke during a teleconference from Galway ahead of Friday night’s clash against Connacht in round one of the URC.
Pead has signed a four-year contract after the Lions agreed to release him, and has already started training with the Stormers’ non-travelling squad. Fellow newcomer and scrumhalf André Warner is one of four debutants for Friday’s match.
According to Dobson, the most likely scenario is that the 21-year-old Pead features against the Sharks at Cape Town Stadium on 10 October.
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“Stef Ungerer is ready, these guys are here, so if we pick up an injury this week – touch wood, we won’t – then he’d definitely come into it,” Dobson said.
“But no, I think for the Sharks at home … We also want more time to train with him. We’ve only got one training day next week: we train on Monday, then we’re travelling on Tuesday, Wednesday’s a day off, Thursday’s captain’s run.
“There’s not much we could do to get him integrated, and nine is a big role that takes a bit of work. So I think only the week after.”
Dobson explained that loosehead prop Mchunu had been given a break as part of his Springbok resting protocols, and also recently became a father.
TEAM: Return of the Mack in Galway
Bok utility forward Dixon, who is travelling with the team, is still dealing with delayed concussion symptoms.
“Ntuks gets his three weeks’ rest. He’s just had a baby as well, so he needs to spend some time at home with the child,” Dobson said. “He actually joins us this weekend.
“And BJ is still battling with a little bit of delayed concussion from the Argentina Test, the one in Buenos Aires, so that’s a bit of a blow.
Dobson hopes “all things being equal” both players will be available for next week’s match against Edinburgh.
Hooker JJ Kotze has been stood down for family reasons, but Dobson is excited by Vernon Paulo’s selection on the bench after several strong performances in the Currie Cup.
He noted that halfback Ezekiel Ngobeni, also in line for his first URC appearance, provides wing cover in a 6-2 bench split.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post When Pead debuts, Bok duo play again appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
John Dobson has revealed the likely first outing for Stormers signing Haashim Pead, while shedding light on the return to action of Ben-Jason Dixon and Ntuthuko Mchunu.
The post When Pead debuts, Bok duo play again appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
