The Stormers aim to produce their best performance in their Super rugby history.

For a franchise that often has bucketloads of talent, they’ve failed to deliver on most occasions. Other than semi-final appearances in 1999 and 2004, they’ve often disappointed more than dazzled.

However lock Anton van Zyl spoke of the desire to perform well this year. “The high expectations of supporters are justified. The team started showing promise from the end of last year’s Super 14 through the Currie Cup, and there are also new acquisitions. We’re working hard at becoming the complete package, not as individuals, but as a team. As a team we’d like to come up with the best Stormers performance ever, but on a more practical level and in terms of vision, we’d just like to improve our performance every week. We’d like to perform better as a team than any Stormers team before us” said van Zyl.

“There’s a huge emphasis on harmony in the team context to ensure that we’re all pulling in the same direction. Last week during our training camp, for example, we spent some time away from rugby to ensure that we get to know one another. It’s important that everybody pulls together in tough times” continued van Zyl.

Every year I pick the Stormers to do well, and almost every year I tear my hair out to say I’ll never make that mistake again! This could be the year however (like every other year!). There is a lot of talent, good depth, but perhaps the injection of Bryan Habana and Jaque Fourie, 2 experienced players, could be the trump card.

I’d like to see them throw caution to the wind, play attacking rugby and utilise their talent. Too often I think they fear losing more than striving to win. I am sure if they start well they’ll have a good year.

Their first performance wasn’t anything spectacular however.

Whilst it was essentially a second string side that play the University of Cape Town (UCT) at Riebeek West, they’d have expected more than a 21-3 win.

Tries were scored by wing JJ Engelbrecht, lock Rynhardt Elstadt, and replacement back Jurgen Visser.

To win the Super 14 you need great depth, players who can step into your starting lineup or reserves and ensure a side doesn’t lose any value. It’s important that the Stormers develop depth to avoid a repeat of last season where injuries were plentiful.

I still think the Stormers will have a good season, but there’s been nothing special served up yet. They’ll need to hit the ground running ahead of their first clash against the Lions in Johannesburg on February 13!