Stormers veteran Dewaldt Duvenhage set for final appearance against All Blacks

Stormers scrumhalf Dewaldt Duvenhage will make what is expected to be his final appearance for the franchise when they face the All Blacks at Cape Town Stadium on Friday evening.

Stormers coach John Dobson confirmed that the 38-year-old will bring his career with the Cape-based side to a close in the fixture, having made more than 100 appearances for the franchise.

Duvenhage’s farewell comes in one of the biggest matches available to the Stormers, although Dobson said his selection was not motivated by sentiment. The coach explained that the Stormers must also field a strong side against the Cheetahs in their Currie Cup match on Sunday.

Imad Khan was always due to start at scrumhalf against the All Blacks, but Dobson said selecting the replacement on the bench had required careful consideration. The Stormers XXIII will face the Cheetahs two days later, adding to the demands on the squad.

“I think this will be his last game for the Stormers, and what a way to finish. It will be his last game unless we get a run of injuries.

“Immy has come through so well. Cobus [Reinach] has come back [from injury], Steph’s [Ungerer] good, and then Ezekiel Ngobele is coming on really strong. So this will be his [Duvenhage’s] last game.”

Dobson said the need to balance the two matches influenced the decision to select Duvenhage against the All Blacks. Jean-Luc du Plessis, the Currie Cup captain, and Steph Ungerer were among those who had been left disappointed by the decision because both wanted the opportunity to play in the high-profile fixture.

“Look, the reason we did it is that we have to put on a good team against the Cheetahs [on Sunday]. So I wanted Jean-Luc [du Plessis], who’s the Currie Cup captain, to play. I wanted Steph.

“And it’s miserable for them. People think I’m being sentimental choosing Dewaldt. No.

“Steph and Jean-Lux were both disappointed [not to play against the All Blacks. Everyone wants to play this game. But yeah, Dewaldt will finish, go and coach.

“He’ll be our pathway Currie Cup and under-23 attack coach. But what a great servant and what a way for him to finish.”

Duvenhage will remain involved with the Stormers after his playing career ends. He is set to become the franchise’s pathway Currie Cup and under-23 attack coach, allowing him to continue contributing to the development of players within the organisation.

Dobson’s comments confirmed that Duvenhage’s playing career with the Stormers will end unless the team suffers a series of injuries that forces him back into action. The scrumhalf has been part of the franchise for more than a century of matches and will now have the chance to sign off in front of a home crowd against the All Blacks.

The Stormers’ meeting with the All Blacks begins at 19:00 on Friday at Cape Town Stadium. Their Currie Cup side then faces the Cheetahs at 15:00 on Sunday.