SUPER RUGBY MEDIA GUIDE 2014 BULLS 249 DEON STEGMANN Position: Flanker Physical: 180cm/100kg Date of Birth: 23 March 1986 Place of Birth: Cradock, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 75 Super Rugby Points: 25 Super Rugby Debut: Round 1, 2008 vs Stormers, Cape Town Test Caps: 6 Test Points: 0 Test Debut 6 November 2010 vs Ireland, Dublin There is a thin line between hero and zero for openside flankers in Super Rugby, but Deon Stegmann has been consistently getting it right over a number of seasons at this level. A six-month break from the game due to injury will see the hardworking flanker not only fit and ready for 2014, but also fresh and keen to deliver. Stegmann will have legitimate claims to get himself back into national contention and adding to his Test tally, but it will be his teamwork and appreciation of the referee’s applications of the law that could make him an incredible asset. FLIP VAN DER MERWE Position: Lock Physical: 198cm/117kg Date of Birth: 6 June 1985 Place of Birth: Potchefstroom, RSA Super Rugby Caps: 63 Super Rugby Points: 15 Super Rugby Debut: Round 5, 2007 vs Chiefs, Bloemfontein Test Caps: 34 Test Points: 5 Test Debut 12 June 2010 vs France, Cape Town Flip Van der Merwe was close to being the most influential player in the 2013 campaign and could easily take that mantle this time around. Having reached maturity as a player, the abrasive lock has grown into the number five role for the Springboks after excelling in the number four jersey at Super Rugby level and it will be interesting to see where he will be used most in 2014. His ability to lead, bruise, carry the ball and call lineouts makes van der Merwe one of the most valuable players in his squad. The Potchefstroom-born international started his Super Rugby career at the Cheetahs where he played from 2007-09. His father Flippie earned six caps for the Springboks between 1981-89.
2014 Super Rugby Media Guide
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