Veteran Stormers Star Earns Fitting Farewell in All Blacks Showdown
- A long-serving Stormers player is preparing to bring an unforgettable rugby journey to an emotional close
- John Dobson says one key selection decision had nothing to do with sentiment despite the occasion
- The farewell will mark the end of one chapter before a new role begins within the franchise
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A veteran Stormers player will bring the curtain down on his playing career when the Cape side hosts the All Blacks in Cape Town on Friday night. Stormers scrumhalf Dewaldt Duvenage will make his final appearance for the franchise before moving into a full-time coaching role, with director of rugby John Dobson confirming the decision on Thursday, 6 August.
John Dobson explains Stormers farewell decision
According to SA Rugby magazine, the 38-year-old has been included among the replacements for what will be his final outing in Stormers colours.
Dobson acknowledged that the occasion would be emotional but stressed that Duvenage had earned his place in the matchday squad.
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"I think this will be his last game for the Stormers and what a way to finish," Dobson said.
He rejected suggestions that the selection was simply a farewell gesture, saying the decision had been made on rugby grounds rather than sentiment.
Stormers already planning beyond experienced scrumhalf
Dobson said the Stormers have several scrumhalves ready to compete for the position. He named Imad Khan, Cobus Reinach, Stefan Ungerer and Ezekiel Ngobeni as part of the club's long-term plans.
He added that balancing Friday's blockbuster fixture with Currie Cup commitments also played a role in his selection decisions.
Coaching role awaits after final Stormers appearance
Once his playing days come to an end, Duvenage will remain with the Stormers as a coach, overseeing attacking structures in the pathways, Under-23 and Currie Cup teams.
Dobson described him as "a great servant" and said ending his career against the All Blacks was a fitting reward before he begins the next stage of his rugby journey.
Source: Getty Images
Elrigh Louw opens up on mental battle before Springboks return
Briefly News also reported that Springboks loose forward Elrigh Louw has reflected on the emotional and mental challenges of the nine-month rehabilitation that followed a serious knee injury.
The 25-year-old said the support of his family, medical staff and rehabilitation team helped him through one of the toughest periods of his career.
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Source: Briefly News
