Head coach Tom Dawson-Squibb highlighted that these U20 players, although returning, will need some time to blend back into the team's dynamics before jumping into the Currie Cup action. "The U20 guys were given off this week. They’ve come in and done medicals, and then they’ll start to integrate next week," he explained.
"My sense is Yaqeen will probably be in the URC group for now."
The focus this week shifts to the upcoming derby against the Boland Cavaliers in Wellington. Dominic Malgas will step into the No 10 jersey, filling in for the injured Jean-Luc du Plessis. Malgas made an impressive footprint last week, scoring points off the bench. Dawson-Squibb recalls his early impression of Malgas, saying,
"I remember going to Dom in my second week of training and I said, 'I love the way you control training, I love the way you talk to the team'."
Dawson-Squibb lamented the loss of Jean-Luc's leadership but expressed confidence in Malgas's potential, believing that the team has a strong faith in his abilities. "We all miss JL; he’s a fantastic leader and player. But I think Dom’s got a huge amount of potential. If you were to survey the players, they would tell you the same thing. They have a massive trust in Dom."
Another noteworthy inclusion is Kian Davis, a utility back from Rondebosch Boys’ and UCT Ikeys, who is set to make his Currie Cup debut. His versatility was crucial in his selection, as Dawson-Squibb noted. "Five weeks ago he wouldn’t have been in the plans … he’s trained in all positions, which is the reason we’ve selected him," he said. "He’s trained at 10, 12, 13, 15, could even have him at wing if need be, and when you go 6-2, which we do, that’s important."
With the team gearing up for a robust challenge at Boland, the coach's strategy involves minimal changes to the starting lineup, aiming to leverage the existing team synergy. "There’s a great hunger to go and do something really special at Boland on Sunday. And while rugby’s a difficult game because everyone wants to play, I have a sense that the right thing to do was pick a similar or the same team as we could. And every time we run out into the field, I don’t think it’s 23 people playing. I think it’s 38 that are part of our squad," Dawson-Squibb elaborated.
As the Stormers prepare for their next big game, integrating the returning juniors while maintaining the core team’s stability, it's clear the focus is on both immediate impact and long-term growth.
