Waikato co-captain Cane sings Stormers skipper Kolisi’s praises

CHIEFS co-captain Sam Cane was non-committal on whether the recent drawn All Blacks against British and Irish Lions series would be a boost for opponents against Kiwi teams‚ but sang the praises of Stormers skipper Siya Kolisi.

The Chiefs meet the Stormers in a Super Rugby quarterfinal at Newlands on Saturday due to the vagaries of the tournament structure‚ but they did not miss the chance to go on a charm offensive.

The Waikato Chiefs have lost only two matches all season‚ while the Stormers have been beaten five times – yet have the higher playoff seeding.

As a result, the Chiefs have had to travel to Cape Town and – should they win – will return to New Zealand to meet either the Crusaders or Highlanders in a semifinal.

None of that seemed to trouble Cane or Chiefs coach Dave Rennie, though.

They have been to Newlands six times in the last six years – the most they have played at any venue outside of their home field in Hamilton.

Cane‚ who was immense against the British Lions‚ particularly the first test which the All Blacks won 30-15‚ said Kolisi posed a challenge.

“He [Kolisi] is a South African loose forward that plays a lot more like a Kiwi‚” Cane said.

“He has good footwork‚ a great skill-set and is physical.

“I’m not sure if he has bulked up in the past few years. I first swapped a test jersey with him four years ago.

“We always make an effort to chat after the game.”

Kolisi grew up in Zwide, Port Elizabeth.

“I don’t know about the Lions giving opposition inspiration, your guess is as good as mine,” Cane said.

“It was a disappointing end to a great series – so we have to try and get better.”

The Chiefs expect the Stormers to try slow them down‚ especially at the breakdown.

The Stormers were successful in that aspect in their Pool match at Newlands earlier this year‚ which the home team won 34-26.

Rennie said: “Everyone knows our game revolves around lightning-quick ball.

“Teams will work really hard to slow down our ball. Our ballcarriers and supporting players need to do a good job to ensure we get quick ball.

“And hopefully the referee will play his part too.

“That last game [against the Stormers] was a hell of a game. We made a couple of errors and got punished.

“We must look after the ball.”