Fleck coy over team rotation

Stormers co-captain Frans Malherbe and JC Janse van Rensburg may be in line for starting berths and being used as second half replacements for Vincent Koch and Oliver Kebble.

"Both front rows have done incredibly well and should there be rotation this week, we can expect Frans [Malherbe] and JC [Janse van Rensburg] to set the platform for Ollie [Oliver Kebble] and Koch like they have done for the replacements.

"We are in a fortunate position where we can afford to do it, it's just a matter of timing and when to do it, depending on what the opposition holds. It is a long season and we are in a situation with the props, loose trio and wings where there will be chances to rotate the players and as long as the players understand that and are comfortable with it, then we are happy," Fleck said.

While the Stormers are very thin in the flyhalf position, following an injury to Robert du Preez that will see him being sidelined for 12 weeks, Kobus van Wyk is back in the selection fold after recovering from an ankle injury. His return could see Leolin Zas return to the bench, despite an impressing performance.

"It's great that [Leolin] Zas did well [against the Cheetahs] by creating the chance for [Juan] de Jongh and scoring a try himself. We would have liked to have gotten the ball to him more but I'm happy with him at the moment and he is showing good maturity.

"In terms of selections, we are happy that the squad is performing and are comfortable with where we are going," he added.

Fleck is expecting a "good tussle" against the Sharks at Newlands in Saturday and feels his forwards coach Russell Winter, along with the likes of lock pairing Eben Etzebeth and Pieter-Steph du Toit, will have their plans in place to stop the Durban-based franchise from effectively using their rolling maul.

"They have been pretty effective using their mauls but Russell Winter and the guys will obviously have their plans to counter it. Overall, they [the Sharks] are a much improved side, they certainly look well organised defensively and well drilled in that regard.

"With both Willie le Roux and Joe Pietersen in their side, their kicking game is decent as well. So they are looking like a more all-round side and look better organised than they have been before. It's good for SA rugby and will be a good tussle the weekend.

By Tauriq Ebrahim

@rugby365com