After Deon Fourie’s outstanding performance last week many Stormers fans would have loved to see him in a starting berth, however one can’t simply strip Liebenberg of his role as the Stormers No.1 hooker and while Fourie is an exciting talent Liebenberg has had a fantastic season as well. I think therefore that his selection is justified… if not the reason given.

“Deon had an outstanding game last week that much is for sure, but we can’t just select players because they play well,” Allister Coetzee told JustRugby.co.za.

Correct me if I’m wrong but isn’t selecting a player based on the fact that he is playing well. Sometimes I think Mr. Coetzee feeds reporters dribble on purpose to deflect from the actual points at hand. It can be a smart move on many occasions but against the Brumbies he just had egg on his face.

Another inclusion sees Sireli Naqelevuki retain his last-minute starting call-up ahead of Gio Aplon. While I haven’t been the Fijian’s biggest fan, in fact I’ve often referred to him as ‘the walking penalty’, one can’t argue that for the first time in a while he seemed to be running with purpose, strength and pace against the Highlanders and rightly deserves his place. While Gio is a very brave and exceptionally talented player, against a side as strong as the Hurricanes it would be wise to go with a solid defender like Naqelevuki to negate the threat posed by players such as David Smith.

Skipper Schalk Burger was in usual laid back mood when chatting about the game and the season as a whole.

“The Hurricanes are a championship side of that there’s no doubt, but I think we’re starting to understand where we want to be as a side which is always good. I just hope the Cheetahs haven’t made them (Hurricanes) angry for us!”

A cause for concern for the Stormers on Saturday will be the refereeing of Aussie/Kiwi ref Steve Walsh. The ANZAC ref is notorious for targeting South African sides as he once again proved with the Lions last week but with the axing of his fellow referees Paul Marks and Pro Legoete, the pressure will be on him to deliver a fair performance come Saturday. As a local journo commented, “Newlands will be hard pressed to accommodate 45 000 spectators as well as Steve Walsh’s ego.”

The ‘Canes have rung the changes, five of them to be precise. Most notably Conrad Smith returns to strengthen their midfield while Jacob Ellison comes in for John Schwalger at prop, Scott Waldrom comes into the team for Karl Lowe at flank, Tamati Ellison returns to the paying fifteen from injury and Willie Ripia trades places with Aaron Cruden at flyhalf. Smith comes in for Alapati Leiua at centre and Ellison takes Andre Taylor’s place on the right wing.

Prediction:

I think the Stormers have not got enough credit for their defensive efforts this season. They have only conceded 38 points in 4 games! To put this into perspective the team with the next best record is the Crusaders who have conceded 84!

This will make them a very tough side to beat as the ‘Canes rely on strong runners such as Nonu and Smith to penetrate weak defences. Expect the Stormers to hold them off in defence and after a tough loss against the Cheetahs, one could easily see the ‘Canes fade later in the game.

Stormers however need to be wary of the threat posed by returning stars such as Conrad Smith. Still would say the Stormers by between 5 and 10 points though.

Teams:

Vodacom Stormers: Joe Pietersen, Sireli Naqelevuki, Jaque Fourie, Juan De Jongh, Bryan Habana, Peter Grant, Dewaldt Duvenage, Duane Vermeulen, Francois Louw, Schalk Burger (c), Andries Bekker, Anton Van Zyl, Brok Harris, Tiaan Liebenberg, Wicus Blaauw. Reserves: Deon Fourie, JC Kritzinger, De Kock Steenkamp, Pieter Louw, Ricky Januarie, Lionel Cronje, Gio Aplon.

Hurricanes: Jacob Ellison, Andrew Hore (c), Neemia Tialata, Bryn Evans, Michael Paterson, Victor Vito, Scott Waldrom, Rodney So’oialo, Piri Weepu, Willie Ripia, David Smith,  Ma’a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Tamati Ellison, Cory Jane. Reserves: Dane Coles, John Schwalger, Jeremy Thrush, Karl Lowe, Tyson Keats, Aaron Cruden, Alapati Leiua.

Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia)