Burger to lead Stormers
Jan 16,2013
Springbok flanker Schalk Burger has retained the Stormers captaincy for the new Super Rugby season after missing the 2012 campaign.
Burger was the designated Stormers captain last year but his 2012 campaign lasted just 14 minutes before suffering a season-ending knee injury against the Hurricanes in Round One.
Stormers head coach Allister Coetzee also confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that centre Jean de Villiers would continue as the team's vice-captain.
"Now that he is fit, Schalk will resume the Stormers captaincy in 2013," said Coetzee.
"We are, however, blessed with an incredibly strong leadership base in every position. Schalk will have the Springbok captain in Jean de Villiers to lean on, a Currie Cup-winning captain in Deon Fourie and I haven't even mentioned the likes of Andries Bekker, Tiaan Liebenberg, Duane Vermeulen, Dewaldt Duvenage and Bryan Habana - all of whom are leaders in their positions."
The squad have been in Hermanus since Monday and the coach expressed his delight at the work done so far.
"We've upped the rugby-specific side of things this week, but we're also having a bit of fun and the guys have responded really well," added Coetzee.
"We've still got two days to go after this, including a fun adventure race on Friday, and then we will turn our attention to next month's warm-up matches."
The Stormers will play warm-up matches against the Cheetahs on February 2 (in Bloemfontein) and the Boland Cavaliers on February 9 (in Wellington).
Comments (3)
Jan 17, 2013 at 08:19:07
I am heartily agree Kojak. I only hope Burger has recovered fully and is rarin to go - the latter is very likely. He is an 80 minute player like no other.
Stormers looking very strong this season and are certainly title contenders. I wonder if Koster will be back at some point in the super 15 season?
See ya on the ruckers forum!
Jan 17, 2013 at 10:52:54
I hope so too! He must take it easy in pre-season. Coetsee should only play him for 40min! Bismaak Back and Kocket at scrummy and we off to a good start! Could be an interesting season and buildup!
Jan 16, 2013 at 18:55:33
Coetsee got big gahoonas! Take some tips HM! Thats how you make decisions for the team mate! Great to have you back Burger! Boks will be back!