Super Rugby: Stormers have a Steven Kitshoff problem
The Springbok prop, who's back playing in SA, is available to play against the Cheetahs. But the equation is hardly that simple.
Steven Kitshoff is available for the Stormers but, given Sanzar regulations, he’s not a long-term option for this season. Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images.
Given how Steven Kitshoff delighted all and sundry in the Springboks’ series against France, you’d think the Stormers would waste little time picking him for Saturday’s Super Rugby derby against the Cheetahs.
And by all accounts, coach Robbie Fleck would love to too.
But it’s not as simple as it sounds.
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Last month, Kitshoff signed a national contract with SA Rugby and the Stormers after a two-year stint with French side Bordeaux.
His agreement with the Stormers officially begins on Saturday, the day of the match.
“Kitsie is available to play,” Fleck confirmed.
The problem is, currently Kitshoff can only play in the Stormers’ last three round-robin matches.
Sanzar regulations state that those three games would be insufficient for him to play in the knock-out phase as players need to have played at least five times during the season.
As a result, the question becomes: Is it worth the trouble of playing Kitshoff now if you can’t use him in a quarterfinal?
“When it comes to quarterfinals and semifinals, he’s not available,” said Fleck.
“That is something that we’ll need to weigh up.”
The Stormers mentor did mention that there are “extraordinary ways” for Kitshoff to actually play at the business end of the campaign but it’s highly unlikely.
“It’s an issue that was actually discussed last year already,” said Fleck.
“If there are a huge amount of injuries in one position, you can advocate for somebody to come in. But it requires special permission.”
It’s obviously a dilemma, especially since Kitshoff could provide momentum for the Capetonians going into the knockout rounds.
“We probably have to play the players who’ll actually be available for the quarterfinals. That said, we’re now only focusing on getting back on track and preparing for the Cheetahs.
“We’ll select the best possible side for the game and if that includes Kitsie then that’s what we’ll do.”
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