Ex supersport
Stormers coach Allister Coetzee says he wants Gio Aplon to establish himself at wing this season with Joe Pietersen playing fullback.
Die Burger newspaper reports that Pietersen will play in the No 15 jersey for the Stormers in their pre-season clash against the Lions at Newlands on Friday night.
Coetzee feels Pietersen will be better utilised at fullback than wing. Pietersen is back with the Cape side after a season at French club, Bayonne.
"Joe will be best for us at fullback with his right foot. He gets good distance with his kicks," said Coetzee.
"I want Gio (Aplon) to establish himself at wing.
"It is important to utilise the speed of our back three. Gio is lightning fast, Joe is relatively quick and then we have Bryan (Habana) on the other wing.
"The coach is also searching for the right balance between players kicking with their left-and right feet. Aplon and scrumhalf Dewaldt Duvenage use their left boots, while Pietersen and flyhalf Gary van Aswegen kick with their right feet.
Duvenage won't play against the Lions on Friday as he is still recovering from a toe injury.
"Duvenage has started running and by the looks of things he may be ready in two weeks' time," Coetzee told Sapa.
Bolla Conradie will probably start in the No 9 jumper with Louis Schreuder a substitute
While the Stormers, if they choose to do so, could field a big pack of 930 kg this backline is looking a little light to me. Small scrumhalf, De Jong is smallish for a center, Gio and Joe are also small.
Winning the tackle ball is important as is dominating collisions. Offensive tackles etc
Gio and De Jong do punch above their weights so maybe it okay but I am uncomfortable with them size wise although one reconises that this backline will have flair.
Wonder what Coetzee's plans are for van der Heever. Bulle tries him at center etc.
