Ex Sport 24
Cape Town - Scrumhalf Nic Groom feels the Stormers' young and inexperienced team could pose a threat to the Bulls in their Super Rugby clash at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Coach Allister Coetzee was earlier this week forced into making six enforced changes to his starting line-up, with three players on debut in the match-day 23 - lock Jean Kleyn in the starting line-up and prop Alistair Vermaak and Dylon Frylinck on the bench.
There are also six new faces on the bench, with Steven Kitshoff (knee), Frans Malherbe (concussion), Oli Kebble (concussion), Jurie van Vuuren (shoulder), Michael Rhodes (assortment of knocks), Louis Schreuder (broken thumb), Jean de Villiers (AC joint) and Kobus van Wyk (wrist) all dropping out with an assortment of injuries after last weekend’s 29-28 win over the Highlanders at Newlands.
The new players in the selection mix, either on the bench or in the starting XV, are Kleyn, Pat Cilliers, Vermaak, Martin Dreyer, Stephan Coetzee, Frylinck, Michael van der Spuy and Devon Williams, with Peter Grant, Cheslin Kolbe and Brok Harris promoted from the bench to starting roles.
This is no doubt an inexperienced team rocking up to play the Bulls at Loftus, but Groom feels they could make it count in their favour.
In an interview with Die Burger's website, Groom said it's an exciting challenge for their young team.
"We're with our backs to the wall. However, it's a wonderful opportunity for the guys. Here are guys who would never have dreamt to be in the Stormers 23-man squad by now. We'll have to be fearless."
Groom said the "unpredictability and instinct of the young player" could be very dangerous and perhaps count in their favour.
Kick-off for Saturday's game is scheduled for 19:10.
