Stormers begin NZ challenge

STORMERS coach Robbie Fleck says that his team is still going to play “with a lot of courage” against the Crusaders tomorrow (9.35am kickoff), even if the slippery surface could be a problem.

The Stormers spent the week in Auckland preparing for the match, and while Fleck said that the Stormers’ Kiwi skills coach Paul Feeney had briefed them as to how tough it can be playing in Christchurch at night, the Stormers coach said that the slippery conditions won’t dampen their mood ... or their style.

Fleck did, however, highlight a few key areas that the Stormers are going to have to get right.

“At the moment the weather is pretty good in Auckland. I’ve chatted to Paul Feeney and believes it’s always quite tough to play in Christchurch at seven at night. The ball is always slippery and greasy and even if it’s a clear night it’s a challenging surface to play on,” Fleck said.

“So set-piece has got to be spot on, our kicking game has got to be spot on, but we’re going to play with a lot of courage, the way we have throughout the season, so we’re looking forward to this one.”

Fleck’s mentality in terms of their playing style ahead of the fixture is a great one, especially given the fact that the New Zealanders still play their game despite less-than-ideal on-field conditions.

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has made seven changes to his team that thrashed the Sunwolves 50-3 last week and, again, the black and red outfit will be packed with All Blacks.

But Fleck said that although the makeup of the team will be a challenge for his younger players, it’s a challenge that they are looking forward to.

“It’s been good so far and we’re looking forward to it. It’s obviously going to be a challenge, playing a team full of All Blacks, and the Stormers franchise has never won in Christchurch. So it’s going to be epic,” he said.

Fleck’s make-up will also look a bit different to the one that lost 29-16 to the Lions last weekend, with Dillyn Leyds moving to fullback in the absence of the injured SP Marais, while the experienced Bjorn Basson will move to the left wing.

Scrumhalf Dewaldt Duvenage is back in the mix after being rested last week, with Jano Vermaak moving to the bench, while Pieter-Steph du Toit moves from lock to blindside flank in the place of skipper Siya Kolisi, who is being rested as part of the Springbok management plan with Eben Etzebeth taking over as skipper.

In the last change to the starting line-up, tighthead prop Wilco Louw returns to the run-on side, with Frans Malherbe providing cover on the bench.

Fleck also gave his thoughts on just what it is that makes the Crusaders such a challenging side.

“It’s obviously their history (what makes them so strong), their culture and what they stand for,” said Fleck.

“The side is laden with All Blacks, it’s always been, they bring in good young players and culturally they’re just really strong. It’s a big challenge for our guys ... playing against seasoned All Blacks. There’s no bigger game.

“There’s no bigger challenge than the Crusaders. But that’s (what) we’re excited about, it’s one for the history books.”

Meanwhile, first Rohan Janse van Rensburg was ruled out of June’s Test series against France, and hours later it was the turn of Handre Pollard. It was not a good day for the Lions, Bulls and Springboks yesterday.

Janse van Rensburg’s knee injury – picked up while playing against the Stormers last Saturday – will see him go under the knife to repair damaged ligaments in his right knee, ruling him out for three months.

Pollard hurt his right ankle in training yesterday and he, too, will have to have surgery, which will keep him on the sidelines for up to 10 weeks.