Damian de Allende can give the Stormers the edge they need in their Super Rugby knockout clash against the Sharks at Newlands on Saturday (3.05pm).
The 27-year-old Springbok midfielder sat out last weekend’s match against the Sunwolves because of an agreement between the South African Rugby Union and the Super Rugby franchises.
But "Doogz" returns in a battle against Andre Esterhuizen - the man who wants to dethrone him as the Springbok incumbent at No.12.
And Cape coach Robbie Fleck believes the return of De Allende will boost his team.
A game-breaking former Bok centre himself in his playing days, Fleckie explains: “Damian [de Allende] is massive for us.
THREAT: Sharks' Andre Esterhuizen, centre. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/Backpagepix.
“I felt he was outstanding this season. He was missed against the Sunwolves in terms of giving us some direction and width to our game.
“He’s really taken control [this year] and has been that link man to the outside backs from the forwards - his kicking game has also come along well.
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“That experience [is crucial] and having him back and gives confidence to the outside guys. His defence is very strong. And the way the Sharks would like to play, he’s going to play a critical role in stopping that.”
With scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies out injured, Fleck is confident that veteran No.9 Jano Vermaak can step up in his absence in this pressure game.
CONFIDENT: Robbie Fleck. Photo: Backpagepix.
He adds: “Jano [Vermaak] did an outstanding job when he came on [last week]. He brought that leadership and decision-making. Hersch has been outstanding this year and will be missed not just from an attacking point of view, but in defence he has also been outstanding.
“But I don’t think his loss is going to impact our style of play too much.”
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Of what the Sharks will bring in the do-or-die clash, Fleck adds: “They’ve had one or two late withdrawals, but that’s the nature of this competition.
“They’re a tough side to play against. Their defence is really strong and they are quite aggressive. They’ve got a good solid scrum, good lineout, good driving maul. And then they also brought a bit of width to their game. But we’ve got to enforce our game on them.”