Ivan van Rooyen reckons that experienced forward Willem Alberts will play a key role from the bench when his team Lions clash with the Stormers in a Rainbow Cup match at the Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg on Saturday (13h30).
Both the Lions and the Stormers are still searching for their maiden wins after they lost their two opening matches against the Bulls and the Sharks.
“If you have a player like his calibre and experience and is available you are tempted. We know Willem in the second part of the game is gonna bring physicality. He’s gonna bring leadership. We are excited that he’s gonna make a difference for us,” Van Rooyen said.
The Lions coach admitted that he was tempted to start with Alberts, who just came back from a calf injury. However, he decided against that.
“There was a temptation for him to start, but he’s got a massive role for us to play in the second half. Both teams are looking for a first win,” Van Rooyen said.
