Salmaan Moerat’s perfect present for his 20th birthday

To label Salmaan Moerat’s past few days as a bit of a “whirlwind” feels like an understatement.

Last weekend, the 20-year-old Junior Springbok lock had to rush to pack his bags after it became clear JD Schickerling was going to have to return home.

When he finally arrived in New Zealand on Tuesday – ironically he had to spend his whole birthday in the air – the youngster from Paarl didn’t even have time to step off the plan before he heard he’ll be pressed into service for the Stormers against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday.

“It’s been quite a hectic few days for him,” said coach Robbie Fleck on Wednesday.

“He was just off the plane when we informed him he’ll be possibly getting his first cap for the Stormers. I would think it was a pretty big birthday present.”

Moerat certainly wasn’t overawed by the news.

“He’s actually a few quiet, unassuming young man. He just gets along with his business,” said Fleck.

“Salmaan’s smile when he got the news was quite a sight. It was a big one. The boys are really happy for him. He was great for us in the pre-season game against the Bulls. He deserves this chance.”

Moerat’s inclusion – while necessitated by the swathe of injuries in the camp – continues the Stormers’ “tradition” of not being afraid to blood rookies.

“Whoever comes in, we back,” said Fleck.

“There are a number of youngters in the past who we’ve identified at an early stage are capable of holding their own at this level.

“Damian Willemse is back for us at No 10 and (prop) Steven Kitshoff was 19 when he made his Super Rugby debut. Salmaan is another guy in that stable. He’s very mature and has a lot of ambition. His game is developing quickly and what I really appreciate is that he’s highly coachable.”

Stormers: SP Marais, Dillyn Leyds, EW Viljoen, Damian de Allende, Raymond Rhule, Damian Willemse, Dewaldt Duvenage, Nizaam Carr, Kobus van Dyk, Siya Kolisi, Chris van Zyl, Jan de Klerk, Wilco Louw, Ramone Samuels, Steven Kitshoff. Bench: Dean Muir, JC Janse van Rensburg, Carlu Sadie, Salmaan Moerat, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Pieter-Steph du Toit/George Whitehead, Justin Phillips, JJ Engelbrecht.

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