The Stormers

Is this finally the year for the Stormers? Every year I say this will be it, and last year I even predicted they’d win it. Doh!

They seem to have a losing culture and consistently lose easy home games, and win the difficult ones.

However I truly believe something special is brewing in the Western Cape, and their position as a powerhouse of South African rugby will once again be re-established. The appointment of Alistair Coetzee as coach is a good move, and Rassie Erasmus can add value without the added pressure of coaching.

The arrival of match-winners Bryan Habana and Jaque Fourie will have a massive influence in turning this side into championship material and there are a host of youngsters coming through the ranks that bodes well for the Stormers.

With a fanatical fan base that always provide strong support, the Stormers simply have to turn Newlands into a fortress where they rarely lose. If they can can do that they’ll surely pick up a few victories on the road and be looking at a semi-final spot.

As with most sides, a good start is imperative to ensuring the right state of mind.

Their biggest hurdle could come when Willem de Waal is fit again. He is not the right player for the Stormers, and could prove to be a bigger hindrance than help. Peter Grant at flyhalf is steady, but I’d like the Stormers to be brave and go with Lionel Cronje. Big, strong and a great boot combined with good running skills could see the emergence of a star flyhalf.

The loss of Jean de Villiers is offset by the potential in his replacement Juan de Jongh. Fellow centre Morgan Newman also waits in the wings and is highly rated.

The front row looks solid, and for once the forward pack looks formidable, which should allow the large number of talented backline players to shine.

It’s a squad with plenty of talent, depth and the opportunity to make their mark. this year there can be no excuses and if they come up short, heads must roll.

Watch out for: Wicus Blaauw at prop, Schalk Burger who leads the side for the first time and who’ll be keen to restablish himself as a world-class player, Lionel Cronje if he plays as flyhalf, the centre pairing of Juan de Jongh and Jaque Fourie, and Bryan Habana. This could be the side to put him into space consistently and if that happens, he’ll score many tries!

Prediction: Semi-finalists