Stormers won’t be hoodwinked
NEW-LOOK: ‘CANES STILL POSE A FORMIDABLE THREAT
The Stormers are not going to blindside themselves by thinking the Hurricanes are a team in transition after losing some stars and their coach ahead of their Super Rugby season opener this afternoon at Newlands.
The ‘Canes have a new coach in Jason Holland, who has taken over from John Pumtree, they are without regular hooker and captain Dane Coles with scrumhalf TJ Perenara taking over the leadership, while they have lost their biggest star in flyhalf Beauden Barrett who is now with the Blues.
They however still have great striking power in Perenara, fullback Jordie Barrett, centre Ngani
Laumape and wing Ben Lam.
The Stormers will no doubt want to overpower the ‘Canes with their Springbok-laden pack, but then it’s also a common fact that the Canes can destroy any team with limited possession.
Stormers coach John Dobson said he is happy with the side he is going to send into battle this afternoon and there is specific interest in the performance of big Welsh centre Jamie Roberts who is set to make his Stormers debut.
“There has been a lot of planning and hard work gone in to getting us to this point,” he said.
“We are very pleased with the way that our squad is shaping up.” After failing to produce the goods the last few years despite having so many quality players on their books, Dobson said the team were really focused and determined to make it a productive and successful season.
“There is always an air of excitement ahead of the opening game and all the players and management cannot wait for the season to get going,” he added.
It will also be interesting to see how Bok skipper Siya Kolisi performs in the No 8 jersey, while the Boks in the team should install confidence but still have to make it happen.
“We have got some incredible players on our books and the focus now is on turning out a team that will make our faithful supporters smile with the quality of rugby that they play and the way they represent the Stormers,” said Dobson, who took over the reigns from Robbie Fleck.