Despite Bryan Habana’s move to Cape Town, the excellent form of Gio Aplon and the experience of Frikkie Welsh, Fijian International Sireli Naqelavuki still remains in the picture as Stormers wing.

In fact Stormers head coach Rassie Erasmus admitted he has a “soft spot” for the Fijian, who cost Western Province dearly when a head-high tackle – the result of a lazy, stiff arm – handed Springbok star Morné Steyn and opportunity to win the Currie Cup semifinal for the Blue Bulls last Saturday.

Steyn duly obliged and slotted a penalty from near 50 metres, at an angle, to see the Bulls advance to face the Cheetahs in the Currie Cup Final, while WP will be watching from the sidelines.

It wasn’t Naqelevuki’s only blunder this year, while his poor work rate and generally disappointing form has seen him become ‘persona non grata’ in Cape Town.

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The Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus have given the assurance that he will see out his three year contract with the Western Province Rugby Union in spite of rumours linking him to a move to the Spears of the Eastern Cape.

It is no secret that the Eastern Cape franchise, bidding for inclusion in the Super 14 from 2011, is after Erasmus, who is highly rated within the coaching industry for his tactical brain. It is also understood that some overseas clubs have expressed an interest in acquiring his services.

However, Erasmus has a three year contract with WP, and while like all coaches he has to keep his options open, he is committed to following through with what he started when he took over at the start of last year.

“I am only a couple of months into my second season with WP. We have lost a few close games, and I am unhappy about that, because I know we should be doing a lot better and we have not progressed as I would have liked, but that does not mean I am going to bail out,” said Erasmus from the Stormers team hotel in Wellington.

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Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus has dismissed as insignificant the reaction of a large part of the Newlands crowd, who on Sunday jeered controversial loose forward Luke Watson on a number of occasions during his team’s 43-33 victory over English Premiership club Saracens.

The Saturday Star, Pretoria News, The Independant and the Sunday Argus reported last weekend about the possibility of Luke Watson getting a cold reception from the Newlands crowd. They quoted SA Rugby Blog editor-in-chief Andrew Norman as saying:

“…many of the bloggers had not forgiven Watson. ‘The comments are not of a good nature. A lot of the hate has not yet subsided, he’s still in deep trouble.’

Norman said Watson had been “crucified” before a hearing was even held, adding that he might be booed or jeered.

“In English Premier League Soccer, a player is booed when he even touches the ball. That won’t be a good thing for the Stormers or for South African rugby.”

While some of the spectators cheered when Watson scored a try, another larger portion jeered the flank – in what is clearly a reaction to his comments at a rugby function last year when he said he was so disgusted with wearing the Springbok jersey that he wanted to vomit on it.

Playing at No.8 in the Stormers’ first Super 14 pre-season game – in preparation for the start of the Super 14 competition next month – Watson appears to have made piece with his teammates, many of them Springboks.

That is certainly the message from the coach, Erasmus, but not a sentiment shared by the crowd.

Erasmus was adamant that the controversial loose forward does have the support of his teammates.

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Rassie Erasmus, Stormers coach might have a few tricks up his sleeve for the warm-up game against Saracens at Newlands on the 25th January 2009.

Nick Koster, who made his Western Province debut at No 8 last year, is training among the backline players. Erasmus could experiment with him on the wing.

Tongan sevens player Alipate Fatafehi also linked up with the Stormers for a trial this week. He stands 1.93m tall and weighs 112kg.

“He’s training with us this week. He’s a big guy that can play centre, wing and fullback,” said Erasmus.

He added that Fatafehi “might” stay on with the Stormers. At this stage he is set to leave Cape Town on Sunday.

That could depend on the impression he leaves on the Stormers coaching staff this week. If he stays on, he could be used against Saracens.

Erasmus is expected to pick a strong side for the game against the English club side. It’s possible that the number of substitutes allowed may not be limited to seven.

“Nick is 19, weighs 106kg and runs the 100m in 11 seconds. He is a great player in the making,” said Erasmus.

“There are currently plenty of loose forwards around that are big, strong and physical. I want to try a few things with Nick. He has the skills of a backline player.

“Perhaps he’s a little inexperienced, but physically he is the equal of any backline player in South Africa.”

If the experiment works, Erasmus may even use Koster there in the Super14, with Gcobani Bobo and Sireli Naqelevuki possibly competing for the No 13 jersey.

Naqelevuki did well for WP when he played centre in Bobo’s absence during last year’s Currie Cup.

A handful of Stormers are still struggling with injury niggles.

Flyhalf Willem de Waal (hand) and fullback Conrad Jantjes (groin) are likely to miss the game against Saracens.

Centre Jean de Villiers (groin) and flank Schalk Burger (ankle) both have niggles, but should be ready.

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