Brits answers SOS

THE STORMERS have drafted in England-based former Springboks hooker Schalk Brits to cover their depleted loose forward stocks – after their original choice was injured during a mugging.

The three-test veteran, who plies his trade for Saracens, arrived in Cape Town on Sunday night ahead of the Cape Town-based side’s Super Rugby semifinal clash against the Crusaders.

With big No 8 Duane Vermeulen out injured, he is expected to take his spot on the bench for Saturday’s clash at Newlands.

“We wanted a player with the X-factor and Brits brings that to the team,” says Stormers coach Allister Coetzee.

“SANZAR has given him permission to play as a loose forward and not as a hooker.

“Our problem was at loose forward and Brits has played there before for the Stormers. He won't have a problem playing that role because he's been playing like a loose forward, even though he's been throwing in the ball at the lineouts and competed in the scrums for Saracens.”

The Stormers had hoped to call up South African Under 20 loose forward Siya Kolisi as a replacement from the Junior World Championship in Italy.

Apparently he was mugged over the weekend, receiving wrist and shoulder injuries as well as a concussion.