Stormers spring changes in team selection

By CHRIS RATTUE

Blues coach Peter Sloane says his side will not be caught out by any selection shenanigans after the Stormers put out two team lineups within a day for tonight's clash at Eden Park.

The match could be pivotal. A Stormers win against the odds would catapult them into major semifinal calculations while putting the Blues on the brink of being unable to defend their title.

A Blues victory would leave both sides' hopes more delicately balanced.

The Blues have one major injury problem, with second five-eighths Sam Tuitupou only a 50/50 chance.

Ben Atiga, more accustomed to centre, would take his place in what might be a last-second change.

The makeup of the Stormers was just as uncertain, with Sloane still having the outdated team list, which bore little resemblance to the side - especially in the backs - who are now expected to run out.

Stormers coach Gert Smal even apologised for putting out an incorrect team list on Wednesday, given to the Herald by manager Thelo Wakefield with accompanying comments.

"It was a mix-up. Like you guys, we have to deal with the time differences back home," Smal explained.

Late alterations hardly rate a mention in normal circumstances, being part and parcel of a competition where injuries can strike and travel and time differences are hurdles.

In this case, however, they took on more meaning because of the radical difference in the second team, which is missing injured star flanker Schalk Burger and four other starters, has a positional change, plus alterations on the bench.

Smal said there had been a communications mix-up and that the first team - last week's lineup - had been supplied to meet programme requirements.

Even that explanation did not tally in regards to the halfback selections as Bolla Conradie had started in the win over the Reds, but missed a start in both Stormers teams named this week.

Said Sloane: "You do look at your opponents and do your homework, but it's more about playing your own game and your own selections.

"You don't just look at who is starting, but at the overall team patterns.

"It's not a problem for us. We have looked at all their options."

But the changes have put a whole new spin on the Stormers.

Burger, the blond bundle of energy, has a groin problem and is being rested for the final matches. He has been a key figure for the Stormers, looks a test certainty, and will be missed.

In another major change, Chris Rossouw has been dumped as first five-eighths, replaced by the hot-and-cold Gaffie du Toit.

The talented du Toit could bring more creativity, but then again his off-nights are something to behold. The Blues have plenty to gain in targeting the pivot.

Goalkicking is often an Achilles heel for Stormers teams, and du Toit and Rossouw have struggled.

Du Toit has landed four from eight, while Rossouw has a 60 per cent strike rate - the worst among the main Super 12 goalkickers.

Du Toit's shift from fullback means a fit-again Werner Greeff starts at No 15, although he is also considered a potential test first five-eighths.

Among the others to miss out is zippy Springbok wing Breyton Paulse, with the Zimbabwe-born Tonderai Chavangha getting a start.

Conradie, who may contest the Springbok halfback spot with the Sharks' Craig Davidson, is on the bench, allowing Neil de Kock to start.

Test lock Selborne Boome will wait another week for a recall from injury.

In the Auckland camp, "we did a lot up front last week and that's where the battle starts again", Sloane said.

"We have to do that again. I felt we got quality ball going forward against the Bulls and both units complemented each other."

* Visit nzherald.co.nz throughout the weekend for Super 12 updates.