Stormers backline hopes

2006-04-28 21:47

Herbert Pretorius

Cape Town - The Crusaders are doubly motivated to make the Stormers suffer their fifth consecutive home ground defeat in this year's Super 14 rugby series.

The New Zealand super power is still blushing when their lucky draw is mentioned in the match against the unheralded Western Force and would prefer to rectify their bruised ego with a resounding victory at Newlands.

The Waratahs gave the Crusaders a second and even more important reason on Friday to play with fire against the Stormers.

The Aussie team, in soundly beating the Highlanders at Dunedin, joined the Crusaders with both sides on 42 league points and it is suddenly no foregone conclusion that the Kiwi side will have the advantage of a home game should they reach the final.

This privilege belongs to the log leaders and history proves that the Crusaders have not yet lost a home final.

The Crusaders, after five consecutive victories over the Stormers, should have plenty of confidence to again being the sole leaders in the competition after Saturday night's game.

Several All Blacks in team

It is ominous that the Canterbury team, in their last two clashes at Newlands (in 2003 and 2005) every time scored more than 50 points with tallies of 51-13 and 51-23.

The three main stars in the Crusaders team, Richie McCaw, Daniel Carter and Leon McDonald, have not been included in the starting lineup, but their replacements will definitely go full-out to impress.

They get little enough chance to take the place of these players and they will utilise every minute of the fray to prove themselves worthy of the task.

Even without their three stars, the Crusaders still have an overwhelming 12 All Blacks in their starting lineup.

Stormers assistant coach Hawies Fourie, says meanwhile he is full of confidence.

One reason for his optimism is the sharpness and intensity displayed by the Stormers in their training this week.

"In previous weeks simply too many mistakes were made in our preparations - and that without opponents.

"It was a different story this week and one could feel that the players were anxious to score their first win at Newlands this year.

"They also realise that a win over an unbeaten side like the Crusaders will go a long way in re-establishing some esteem in the eyes of the rugby public."

Fourie also expressed the hope that the changes in the backline would at last have the desired effect.

"We've been struggling the entire year to find the right midfield combination and hopefully De Wet Barry and Marius Joubert will come up with the goods."

This centre pairing is South Africa's counterpart to Tim Horan and Jason Little (Australia) or Walter Little and Frank Bunce of New Zealand.

De Villiers on wing will be great

Although they will be combining for the first time this year, Barry and Joubert have already played as a pair in 18 Tests and 30 Super 12 games.

Fourie also thinks moving De Villiers to the wing will bear fruit.

"When he plays wing, he has the same ability as Bryan Habana to intercept and score tries. He knows when to move in fast and when he should rather hang back.

"His skill under the high ball and his ability to read the game will help to relieve the pressure on Joe Pietersen at fullback as well as Rayno Benjamin."

The teams are:

Stormers:Joe Pietersen, Rayno Benjamin, Marius Joubert, De Wet Barry (c), Jean de Villiers, Peter Grant, Neil de Kock, Joe van Niekerk, Schalk Burger, Luke Watson, Andries Bekker, Ross Skeate, Eddie Andrews, Schalk Brits, JD Moller.

Replacements: Hanyani Shimange, Neil Fullard, Gerrie Britz, Adri Badenhorst, Bolla Conradie, Naas Olivier, Chumani Booi.

Crusaders: Scott Hamilton, Rico Gear, Casey Laulala, Aaron Mauger, Caleb Ralph, Cameron McIntyre, Kevin Senio, Mose Tuiali'i, Johnny Leo'o, Reuben Thorne (c), Brad Mika, Chris Jack, Campbell Johnstone, Corey Flynn, Greg Somerville.

Replacements: Tone Kopelani, Wyatt Crockett, Craig Clarke, Tanerau Latimer, Andrew Ellis, Daniel Carter, Leon MacDonald.

Referee: James Leckie (Aus). Kick-off: 19:10. TV: SuperSport 1 and MNet.

- Die Burger