Insider view for Stormers

IN Shaun Treeby the DHL Stormers will have the benefit of having a man in their squad who knows New Zealand conditions and the Kiwi opposition well during their threematch Vodacom Super Rugby tour that starts in Christchurch on Saturday.

Treeby hasn’t been part of a matchday squad yet since hooking up with the Stormers two weeks ago, but Stormers coach Robbie Fleck is sure to call on his experience for the clashes with Crusaders, Treeby’s former team the Highlanders and the Hurricanes.

The centre has played more than 50 Super Rugby matches for the Highlanders.

Fleck, who was disappointed with his team’s performance in their loss to the Emirates Lions at the weekend, has called up 27 players for the tour. Many are youngsters who haven’t been to New Zealand to play Super Rugby, one of those being Cobus Wiese, 19, who has recovered from his injury.

The Stormers will base themselves in Auckland for the first part of the week and travel to Christchurch on Friday.

DHL Stormers touring squad: Bjorn Basson, Nizaam Carr, Kurt Coleman, Jan de Klerk, PieterSteph du Toit, Dan du Plessis, Robert du Preez, Dewaldt Duvenage, Eben Etzebeth, JC Janse van Rensburg, Oli Kebble, Cheslin Kolbe, Siya Kolisi, Dan Kriel, Dillyn Leyds, Wilco Louw, Frans Malherbe, SP Marais, Bongi Mbonambi, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Ramone Samuels, Shaun Treeby, Chris van Zyl, Alistair Vermaak, Jano Vermaak, EW Viljoen, Cobus Wiese. – supersport.