Stormers scrum depth makes Brok smile
Stormers scrum depth makes Brok smile



Stormers scrum coach Brok Harris says the team’s front row depth is giving him plenty to smile about ahead of a massive trip to Munster. MORNÉ ESBEN reports.

The Stormers are unbeaten after five rounds of the United Rugby Championship, and top the log with 23 points – the same as their Irish rivals. The Cape side will also be bolstered by the return of Springboks Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Damian Willemse, Cobus Reinach and Zachary Porthen for the clash at Thomond Park on 29 November.

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“From a scrum point of view, I’m smiling. There’s a lot of depth and I’m just really excited,” Harris said.

“Competition is a good problem to have – it tends to get the best out of players. On the loosened side you’ve got Oli Kebble – who’s also an international – coming in, as well as Ntuthuko Mchunu who’s ready and can be involved in the Munster game. Vernon Matongo at just 22 years old also has the potential to wear the green and gold. I think the important thing will be just to get the management of the players right because we know it’s a long season.”

Currently the Cape side have a prop roster which includes Mchunu, Matongo, Ali Vermaak, Kebble, Oliver Reid, Porthen and Sazi Sandi, while Springbok tightheads Neethling Fouche and Frans Malherbe are on the injured list.

The Stormers have been back at their training base in Bellville, shaking off the cobwebs and working on their conditioning ahead of the next block of matches across two competitions – the URC and the Investec Champions Cup.

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Harris revealed the Stormers had used their two-week break wisely to refresh bodies and minds while giving players returning from injuries a chance to get game-ready.

“Squad’s looking really good and there are a couple of guys on the fringe of playing like Tuks [Mchunu]. Salmaan [Moerat] came back from injury and played against Benetton but it’s a nice time for him to also get some conditioning in. The same for a guy like Warrick Gelant. We don’t have any major injuries and it’s a big few weeks of preparation as we get ready for the next block of matches against Munster, Bayonne, La Rochelle, Lions and Bulls,” Harris said.

Photo: Cole Cruickshank/Gallo Images





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