Solomons and Viljoen in talks about Monty

George - Stormers rugby coach Alan Solomons has two critical decisions to make within the next few days: who to play flyhalf and who to make captain.

Solomons and Harry Viljoen will meet next week to decide on the first of those pressing issues: where to play Percy Montgomery - fullback or flyhalf?

Springbok coach Viljoen prefers Montgomery at flyhalf, but Stormers coach Solomons does not necessarily agree.

Montgomery played at flyhalf for the Springoks on their overseas tour at the end of last year and, at the time, Viljoen said he was looking to the fullback as his pivot for at least the 2001 international season.

Montgomery's switch to flyhalf in the national side meant Braam van Straaten was shifted to inside centre, where it is believed Viljoen wants to see him play more often.

Van Straaten said he had not discussed the issue with Viljoen, but felt the Bok coached wanted him more as an inside centre than a flyhalf.

"Ultimately, a place in the side is all that really matters because I can then silence those people who have criticised me in the past," Van Straaten added.

Solomons must also decide on the captaincy for the Super 12. It seems straightforward but could perhaps turn out to be not that simple.

Corne Krige, who is still on honeymoon, is undoubtedly the favourite to lead the Stormers again this year but there is the small reminder that Bobby Skinstad is back. He led the regional side before a car accident put an end to his captaincy and the Super 12 competition of 1999.

Krige, though, is a natural leader and did exceptional work in Skinstad's absence.

"I will announce who the captain is when the final squad is named," was all Solomons would say on the matter after his squad was put through a gruelling fitness session here on Wednesday.

The Stormers know all about fitness, technique and skills training after day three of their week-long camp here.

"Those are the three aspects of the game we are putting a huge emphasis on and there is still a lot of work that needs to be done," said Solomons.

Van Straaten, in particular, has taken a liking to the testing sessions.

"It's not easy but I find that the way we are going is helping me tremendously with my distribution skills. I get the line away quicker and that is important," he said.

The final deadline for finalising the Super 12 squad of 30 players is Monday (January 15).

Meanwhile, five of the Stormers are struggling with injuries. Some sat out parts of the training sessions on Wednesday and earlier in the week.

Centre Marius Joubert (groin), loose forward Robbie Brink (stiff upper leg), locks Hottie Louw (stiff lower back), fellow second rower Quinton Davids (lower back spasm) and prop Carel van der Merwe (stomach ailment) are on the injured list.

The Stormers wrap up their preparations on Thursday before returning to Cape Town on Saturday.