Semi rule could scupper Ollie surprise
Mon, 05 May 2008 10:23
Stormers Commercial Manager Frikkie Erasmus has poured cold water on reports that coach Rassie Erasmus is lining up Springbok prop Ollie le Roux as front row cover.
The Stormers have been struggling somewhat in the scrumming department since loosehead prop JD Moller suffered a season-ending shoulder injury two weeks ago.
Erasmus has since used Schalk Ferreira and regular tighthead prop Brian Mujati at loosehead, but he is yet to settle on a stable front row combination in the absence of Moller.
Die Burger reported on Monday that Erasmus has lined up his old mate Ollie le Roux, a long-time Springbok and the Cheetahs teammate of the Stormers coach.
Such a move would seem to fit the bill for Erasmus, an astute and pragmatic rugby thinker who likes to spring surprises.
But Frikkie Erasmus spoke to rugby365.com and refuted the claims on grounds that Le Roux would only be able to help out the Stormers for two games at the most.
"Ollie is coming here more to visit Rassie, they've known each other a long time," said the Stormers spokesperson.
"Now we see articles in the papers [about him playing for the Stormers], and it's somewhat out of context. He [Le Roux] could have helped out in a game in certain circumstances, but it is in no way a fixed plan.
"We have to consider a SANZAR regulation that says [a player] must have played four games in the competition to be allowed to play in the semifinal.
"[Le Roux] cannot be used for a semifinal, so it doesn't make sense to bring him here and letting him play," explained Erasmus.
He went on to say that even if Rassie Erasmus wanted to bring in any other players in the short term as injury cover, the same rule would apply, and the incoming players would not be eligible for the semifinals, should the Stormers make it that far in the competition.
Le Roux has been in sensational form recently for his Irish provincial side Leinster, and he was instrumental in their march to the Magners League title, scoring two great tries to help his team to the crucial victory over Newport Gwent Dragons.
The Stormers are currently in fourth position on the Super 14 points table, and this coming weekend's home match against the Waratahs will go a long way in deciding their semifinal status.
By Phil Coetzer
