Frans focused on Lions hunt, not milestone
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Frans Malherbe is relishing the opportunity to earn his 150th cap for the Stormers at Ellis Park on Saturday, but says it won't distract him from the team's main goal.
The veteran tighthead is set to become the first Stormers player to reach the milestone in the Vodacom URC derby against the Lions — an achievement that the Springbok front-row powerhouse admits is special.
"I've obviously got awesome memories with this team, current and former teammates, since [my 2011 debut]," Malherbe said in a Stormers conference on Tuesday. "[Ellis Park] is an iconic stadium and it'll be a very tough game so I'm trying to focus on the game and not on the milestone, but I'm pretty sure it'll be awesome."
A product of Western Province's youth system, Malherbe made his Stormers debut as a 20-year-old in 2011. Two World Cup titles and a Vodacom URC winners' medal later, the 33-year-old prop remains one of the finest scrummagers in the game, while his defensive nous and rugby IP are as highly rated as his set-piece dominance.
"It's difficult to sum up my [15 years with the Stormers] but jislaaik, I feel fortunate for all the chances I've had and to stay here and play, even with my injuries that have derailed other players' careers. I'm very grateful," he said.
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"The Stormers, and SA Rugby, have always given me opportunities to stay and it's been a good option for me, so credit must go towards them, it's not just me. I'm one of those fortunate players who has got to play for his boyhood team, and I'm grateful."
Asked where this week's milestone would rank among his career highlights, Malherbe kept things in perspective.
"There's no comparison with other achievements, and there's a fine line with feeling very proud and then actually focusing on the game," he said. "It's just another game because if you make it about yourself and the milestone, I think you might fall into a trap. But again, it is very special and I'm very honoured."
Malherbe will mark the occasion without long-time front-row partner Steven Kitshoff, who is recovering from neck fusion surgery. "I feel for Kitsie, I would've loved him to be there on the field with me. On the flip side, it's going to be awesome to have the guys I play with now."
While reaching 150 caps is an achievement few will match, the question popped up: could Malherbe push for 200? "Let's see…" he responded.
The burly Malherbe provided a rare moment of flair when he burst over for a try in the Stormers' 33-32 loss to the Vodacom Bulls last week. "I joked with Ruben [van Heerden] in training, when he was practising his offloads, not to do it but on Saturday I actually screamed for the ball and he threw it!
Franna with the finish! #STOvBUL#iamastormer@Vodacom#URCpic.twitter.com/p9gFFsm1Fl
— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) February 8, 2025
"I've since thought about my previous try that happened the exact same way, with a pass from him against Munster, so I'll now leave him to throw his offloads!"
As for the Stormers' playoff hopes, Malherbe remains optimistic. Sitting 10th on the log, they face a crucial period in their bid to break into the top eight.
"I think we just need to realise it's the middle of February and the playoffs aren't until June; not suggesting we leave it until later but whether we were in the top two or top four or sitting in 10th, we take it week by week and match for match," he said.
"Every weekend there's opportunities to win and you have to be at your best, and I'm positive and motivated about what lies ahead for the rest of the season."
Meanwhile, assistant coach Dawie Snyman provided an injury update with two key players in line to make their return on the Highveld.
"Two guys who've trained with us are Ali [Vermaak] and Neethling [Fouche] and by the end of the day we'll know exactly what their situation is and whether they'll be available to play,” he said.
Photo: @THESTORMERS/Twitter
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