Dewaldt Duvenage set for final Stormers match

Dewaldt Duvenage is set to make his final appearance for the Stormers when the Cape Town side faces the All Blacks at DHL Stadium on Friday.

The veteran scrum-half will provide cover from the bench before moving into a full-time coaching role within the Stormers system.

Dewaldt Duvenage Set for Stormers Farewell

Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson confirmed that the match is expected to bring Duvenage’s playing career to an end, unless a future injury crisis forces the team to call on him again.

“I think this will be his last game for the Stormers and what a way to finish,” said Dobson.

“It will be his last game unless we get a run of injuries.

“Imad has come through so well, and Cobus [Reinach] is coming back.

“Stefan is good, and then Ezekiel Ngobeni is coming on really strong.”

The 38-year-old has already combined his playing responsibilities with an assistant coaching position.

Stormers Selection Not Sentimental

Dobson stressed that Duvenage’s inclusion was not based on sentiment. The Stormers must also field a competitive team against the Cheetahs in the Currie Cup, influencing the distribution of players across the two squads.

Jean-Luc du Plessis and Stefan Ungerer were required for Currie Cup duty, allowing Duvenage to provide experienced backline cover against New Zealand.

Dobson acknowledged that several players were disappointed to miss the high-profile All Blacks fixture but said the selection was made to balance the demands of both matches.

“The reason we did it is that we have to put out a good team against the Cheetahs in the Currie Cup. I wanted Jean-Luc du Plessis, who is the Currie Cup captain, to play and I wanted Stefan.

“I know it’s miserable for them and people are thinking I am being sentimental by choosing Dewaldt. The answer is no.

“Stefan and JL were both disappointed – everyone wants to play this game.

“Dewaldt will finish and go and coach. He will be our pathways, Currie Cup and Under-23 attack coach.

“He is a great servant and what a way for him to finish.”