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Stefan Ungerer has thrown his full weight behind 21-year-old flyhalf Kyle Smith, who will become the third player to wear the Stormers XXIII No 10 jersey in as many matches when they host the Sharks XV at DHL Stadium on Saturday in the Currie Cup.
Eight Changes Follow Heavy Loss to Boland
Smith's selection is part of eight changes the Stormers XXIII have made to their starting XV following last weekend's bruising 41-3 loss to the Boland Cavaliers — a result that Ungerer described frankly as far below the standards the Cape side set for themselves. Ungerer was unsparing in his assessment. "The standards we put out in the last game definitely weren't characteristic of a Stormers side, and we're well aware of that," the captain said on Wednesday. "We've focused on ourselves this week and how we can be better and hopefully getting back to what the Stormers are known for, which is that physicality, defence and set-piece."
Smith has been moving through the Stormers system for some time, featuring regularly for Western Province during last year's Currie Cup campaign, including against the Sharks in Durban. What gives Ungerer genuine confidence in the youngster is the company he has kept. "He's been in the system for a while now and has learned from guys like Sacha, Manie and now Jurie," Ungerer said, referencing Springbok playmakers Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Manie Libbok, as well as current Stormers flyhalf Jurie Matthee. That is an elite classroom for any young pivot to sit in. "He's a confidence player and we're all excited to have him in. I think he's also excited to wear that No 10 jersey and drive us around."
Young Talent Debuts Across Multiple Positions
The reshuffle doesn't end at flyhalf. Nineteen-year-old outside centre Markus Muller, a U20 Junior World Champion, will make his Currie Cup debut on Saturday alongside fellow Junior World Champion Danie Kruger, who also features in the reshuffled squad. Fresh blood with big credentials — exactly the injection a side stung by Boland needs.