Stormers coach backs Simelane for more time at No 13

The Stormers suffered a late injury setback last weekend when skipper Ruhan Nel was forced to withdraw from their starting XV for their Champions Cup clash against Bristol.

While Stormers attack coach Dawie Snyman confirmed it was more precautionary than anything, Nel, a key part of the Stormers setup, isn’t getting any younger.

Luckily, the Cape-based franchise had Wandisile Simelane to call on to replace Nel, as he got a chance to start in his favoured position of outside centre.

Since he has been at the Stormers, Simelane hasn’t had much time to play there in big clashes, which is expected with Nel locking down the No. 13 jersey.

Simelane has played on the wing for the franchise, and even at fullback, and, speaking after the win, Stormers coach John Dobson acknowledged that the talented centre deserves more chances in his favoured position.

“We’ve got to get him more [chances],” Dobson acknowledged.

“He covers 15 for us, [and] the wing and handles the contestables.

“He obviously wants a crack at 13, but it’s tough when your regular captain is there.”

Dobson explained that Nel’s absence, and making Paul de Villiers the skipper on the day, made bringing in Simelane an easy decision.

“This experiment with Paul would allow us to give Wandi more opportunities,” he said.

“Ruhan is 35. He’s not going to play every game, but Wandi does deserve more rugby than what we’ve probably given him, and he deserves to be in his position.

“That’s why we call it the critical path. If we can just plan and say to him, ‘Wandi, you’re going to miss out this week, you’ve got two benches, you’ve got two starts,’ the guys know where they stand.”

The Stormers next face Scarlets on Saturday in a United Rugby Championship clash, and perhaps Dobson will keep Simelane at 13.

Their team for the clash will be announced on Wednesday.