Vodacom Stormers

2006 Preview

The Vodacom Stormers brand has proved very successful - more so off the field than on it - since its inception in 1999. Yes, they did reach the play-offs in 1999 and 2004, but since the botched player-coup before the semi-final against the Highlanders the team has never reached the same heights on the field as they did in their inaugural year.

However, off the field it appears to have remained a step ahead of the rest. The colour black, and elements of sexiness and edginess, ensures it appeals to a younger, trendier, sexier and cross-cultural audience.

But it is on the field where things matter and despite regularly producing Springboks - especially among the backs - the teams have failed to reproduce the form that made them such a fearsome outfit in '99.

Last year they finished a lowly ninth, producing a shocking run of defeats at home in the process.

Strengths: They do possess one of the most talented backlines in the competition. And when things go right for them, they play some of the most breathtaking rugby you have ever seen.

Weakness: Their pack seldom matches the awe-inspiring performances of the backs, with the tight five in particularly looking thin. There are some new signings, but the jury is still out on the new boys.

Noteworthy signings: Rayno Benjamin (Boland), Peter Grant (new), Naas Olivier (Leopards), Paul Delport (cats), Justin Melck (new), Henk Eksteen (Boland), Attie Winter (Griquas), Schalk Brits (Lions), Huia Edmonds (NSW club rugby).

Noteworthy losses: Pat Barnard (Saints), Quinton Davids (Gloucester), Pieter Dixon (Bath), Gaffie du Toit (Cheetahs), Breyton Paulse (Clermont), Faan Rautenbach (London Irish), Chris Rossouw (Toulon).

Coach: Kobus van der Merwe had to pick up the pieces of a shattered Cape team after the 2005 Super 12 campaign and did an admirable job in the Currie Cup, having replaced Carel du Plessis. Then he also got the Stormers job, replacing Gert Smal. In the off-season he went on a recruitment drive and while he made some noteworthy signings, it is his first season at this (Super12/Super 14) level and he knows that he faces a baptism of fire.

Captain: De Wet Barry captained the Stormers in a number of their home games in the 2005 Super 12 tournament, when Neil de Kock was not playing. This year he got the job on the strength of a players ballot. While he has the support of his teammates, there are those critics who feel he is not the right man for the job. Only time will tell.

Player(s) to watch: You can go for the obvious ones - Schalk Burger, Jean de Villiers, etc. Yes, they will play crucial roles. But the player that could ignite the season is the unheralded Boland winger Rayno Benjamin. He has every bit as much pace as the highly rated Jonghi Nokwe (a 2004 Bok tourist), but he also has some genuine rugby skills. He is not just a flyer, he can play the game.

2005 Position: 9th
Best finish: 2nd (1999)
Worst finish: Western Province came 11th in 1996 and did not even make the grade in 1997. As the Stormers their lowest position has been 9th (1998 and 2005)
Home Venue: Newlands, Cape Town

2006 Prediction: They may just flatter to deceive. They have some awesome talent, but their tight five might let them down again. Mid table.

Vodacom Stormers squad: Werner Greeff, Tonderai Chavhanga, Rayno Benjamin, Egon Seconds, Marius Joubert, Jean de Villiers, De Wet Barry, Jonghi Nokwe, Peter Grant, Naas Olivier, Neil de Kock, Paul Delport, Bolla Conradie, Adri Badenhorst, Justin Melck, Schalk Burger, Hendrik Gerber, Luke Watson, Henk Eksteen, Andries Bekker, Daniel Theron, Gerrie Britz, Ross Skeate, Eddie Andrews, Attie Winter, Schalk Brits, Hanyani Shimange, Huia Edmonds, JD Moller.

Schedule:

Saturday 11 February: v Cats, Johannesburg
Saturday 18 February: v Waratahs, Cape Town
Friday 24 February: v Brumbies, Cape Town
Saturday 4 March: v Highlanders, Cape Town
Saturday 11 March: v Hurricanes, Cape Town
Saturday 18 March: v Cheetahs, Cape Town
Saturday 25 March: Bye
Friday 31 March: v Western Force, Perth
Saturday 8 April: v Blues, Auckland
Saturday 15 April: v Chiefs, Mount Maunganui
Friday 21 April: v Reds, Brisbane
Saturday 29 April: v Crusaders, Cape Town
Saturday 6 May: v Sharks, Durban
Saturday 13 May: v Bulls, Cape