Stormers to drop 'light five' label
Tue, 04 Nov 2008 11:02
With the recent signing of Springbok and Blue Bulls flank Hilton Lobberts the Stormers have added a physical element to their arsenal for next year's Super 14.
The hard-hitting flank is no stranger to the Cape, having played all his junior rugby in the Boland.
Lobberts slipped back into the Cape two weeks ago, while Duane Vermeulen also signed after extensive negotiations with Western Province Rugby.
The Stormers pack has often been labelled as "soft" but with Lobberts's acquisition the Cape franchise will now have a mongrel in the pack which could only benefit their game.
Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus will be spoilt for choice with Vermeulen and Lobberts likely to combine with Schalk Burger in the back row, while rookie Nick Koster and Francois Louw will also be vying for a spot among the loose forwards.
It also appears that Luke Watson has fallen out of favour with Erasmus. The controversial Springbok was forced to relinquish his duties as captain since Erasmus' arrival two years ago and now with Lobberts' signing it could spell the end for Watson's stint with the Stormers.
The Stormers loose trio will have an intimidating and physical look to it but Erasmus indicated the possibility of using Lobberts in a similar role as Danie Rossouw with the Bulls, playing both lock and flank.
Along with second row forward Adriaan Fondse the Stormers may have finally shed the "light five" label if Lobberts manages to successfully make the switch to lock.
By Ebrahim Moerat
