17/04/2008 21:50

Stephen Nell

Cape Town - Largely unsung Francois Louw could play a key role when the Stormers take on the Hurricanes in a Super 14 rugby match at Newlands on Saturday.

Louw is not generally rated as highly as are the other members of the home team's loose-forward trio, Schalk Burger and Luke Watson, but he seems at home at this level in his first season of Super 14 rugby.

As is the case with Burger and Watson, Louw has a strong rugby pedigree.

His second name, Pickard, reveals something about his background. When his grandfather, former Springbok lock Jan Pickard died, the 12-year-old Francois wrote in a letter that he wanted to follow in his footsteps.

It is a huge challenge but Louw has solved the problem that Western Province and Stormers had on the blindside flank. Now there are indications that he will make his mark.

Gary Gold, assistant coach of the Stormers, used to say the team lacked an outstanding blindside flanker but he now feels the problem has been solved.

"Francois can do anything one requires from a modern loose forward. We use him in the lineout, he carries the ball, plays well on the ground and is fearless on defence," Gold said on Wednesday.

Come into his own

"This is only his first season at this level. He will still improve, and he can play in any of the loose-forward positions."

Louw could come into his own if the Stormers decide to follow a conservative pattern in case of rainy weather on Saturday.

"He is the kind of guy who will take you over the advantage line sixty to seventy per cent of the times he carries the ball," Gold explained.

"We move the ball quite a lot and Francois has often carried the ball out wide."

Louw feels the Stormers are up against one of the best sets of loose forwards in the Super 14.

The Hurricanes have confirmed that Jerry Collins, Chris Masoe and Rodney So'oialo will play in the Newlands match.

"All three are All Blacks but this is a huge opportunity," Louw said.

"I'm trying to build on last year's Currie Cup competition. Rassie (Erasmus, the Stormers coach) was happy with my performances then and things are going well.

I never thought I'd play Super 14 rugby so often so soon but I'm being kept on my toes. Robbie Diack and Schalk Brits can both be used as loose forwards."

And it was important for the Stormers to remain humble, he added.