PIVOT CRISIS

PUMAS flyhalf Clinton Swart is set to join the Stormers on a short-term contract to help ease their mini flyhalf crisis ahead of the start of the United Rugby Championship (URC) later this month.

The inaugural champions currently have only one fit senior flyhalf available, Jurie Matthee, after Jean-Luc du Plessis picked up an injury against the Boland Cavaliers in the Currie Cup at the weekend.

Du Plessis, who was meant to get some game time under his belt, suffered an ankle syndesmosis injury in the first half. Initially, it did not look too

serious as he walked off the field, but IOL Sport has since confirmed that he will be sidelined for three to four months.

This leaves Matthee to hold the fort, with Springboks Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Damian Willemse currently involved in the Rugby Championship. Manie Libbok, who guided the Stormers to their first title, has departed for Japan after being released by the Kaapse span.

Willemse and Feinberg-Mngomezulu are only expected to be available for the Stormers in December after the Boks’ end-of-year tour, leaving the Cape franchise very thin at flyhalf – hence the SOS to Swart.

Swart, who has previously represented the Bulls, Cheetahs, and Toyota Verblitz in Japan, brings a vrag experience, locally and internationally. He played Super Rugby and in the PRO14 for the Cheetahs, and for the Bulls during Super Rugby Unlocked.

Matthee is expected to wear the No. 10 jersey in the opening URC clash against Leinster on 26 September. Depending on how quickly Swart settles in with his new pals, he could be in line to make his debut for the Stormers within the first few games.

Stormers director of rugby John Dobson recently got a glimpse of Swart’s ability when the Pumas faced Western Province in the Currie Cup. The 33-year-old delivered a kwaai kicking display, while his attacking play also contributed to a 39-13 win.