Stormers year

So this could be the year for the Stormers to finally win the Super Rugby Tournament which has eluded them for the past few seasons. Having won the South African conference for the last 2 years but being unable to win the competition but making the semi-final or final in the last 3 years has been impressive. They have been labeled as chokers, making it to the final stages and then losing, this however is a thing of the past with their impressive Currie Cup title of last year under their belt, there is no monkey on their back anymore. The addition of most of the Lions team and a host of players returning form injury only reinforces their chances. Michael Rhodes, Elton Jantjies, Jaco Taute, Pat Cilliers and Martin Bezuidenhout are just to name a few that have joined the Cape side. Players returning from injury are Schalk Burger who missed the whole of last year getting injured in the first game. Andries Bekker, Bryan Habana, Siya Kolisi and Nizam Carr are other players returning from injury as well as Dewald Duvenage. The depth of this side seems pretty good and the quality is spectacular, competition for places will be intense and will also give the team an extra edge. A good mix of youth and experience should give them what they need to finally break that chokers label at this level and win the Super Rugby.

There is however an injury concern to lock Eben Etsebeth and he looks set to miss 6 to 8 weeks. There are plenty of options for coach Allister to replace him but he will be missed sorely. It will not be easy as the Bulls and Sharks especially also look to have bolstered their packs and seem to be in fine form heading into the competition. It should be an interesting beginning of the season as the Stormers face both the Sharks and the Bulls after each other.

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