Solomons counting on Rautenbach
January 26, 2001

Stormers coach Alan Solomons is hoping Faan Rautenbach will fill Cobus Visagie's boots during the tighthead prop's absence in the Super 12.

Visagie tested positive for a banned substance late last year. His hearing continues in Cape Town on Monday.

But he would not have been fit enough to play in the Stormers opening game against the Cats at Newlands on February 24. According to Solomons, Visagie has an injury that would have ruled him out.

Solomons told the Cape Times: "Faan is in great shape. I'm confident he'll have a good Super 12 for us."

Rautenbach played for Northern Free State in 1998 before moving to Cape Town. He represented Western Province in the Vodacom Cup and played a few Currie Cup matches while Visagie was away with the Springboks.

Solomons told Die Burger that though he considers Visagie to be the world's best tighthead prop, Rautenbach could also do the job well. "He just needs experience," he said.

The Stormers coach said if Rautenbach should get injured then his only alternative would be to move Robbie Kempson to tighthead.

Of his step up, Rautenbach said: "I came to Cape Town in 1999 because I wanted to compete with the best players in the country. It's up to me to make the best of the opportunity if it comes my way in the Super 12."

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