'Stormers will play for Schalk'

2008-02-27 23:31

Stephen Nell

Cape Town - Schalk Burger is not playing but the Crusaders won't approach their Super 14 match against the Stormers at Newlands on Friday evening in anything but a determined mood.

Robbie Deans, coach of the New Zealand side, expects Burger's absence, because of a two-match suspension, to serve as extra motivation to the Stormers.

Deans said: "Schalk is a fantastic player and his absence will inspire the others. They are going to play for him."

All Black captain Richie McCaw will lead a Crusaders team showing three changes to the starting lineup that thumped the Bulls 54-19 in Pretoria last week.

'It was a big loss'

Caleb Ralph takes over from Scott Hamilton on the left wing and Wyatt Crockett and Campbell Johnstone replace Ben Franks and Greg Somerville at loosehead and tighthead prop respectively.

McCaw said Burger's suspension (for unsportsmanlike behaviour during the match against the Sharks last week) was a major setback to the Stormers.

"It's a big loss. Schalk is an experienced player and you're constantly aware of him when you play against him. I have not even thought about whom the Stormers may select on the open-side flank," McCaw said.

"But loose forwards are only as good as the guys in front of them. We won't be effective if the tight forwards don't perform well."

Both teams have been well served by their front five this season.

Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus pointed out on Wednesday that the Crusaders had out-scrummed the Bulls last weekend.

Was on a conditioning programme

McCaw, in turn, expressed his respect for the Stormers pack.

"Their big guys tried to stamp their authority on the match against the Sharks last week, and they largely succeeded," he said.

McCaw was one of the All Blacks who missed the first half of last year's Super 14 after being put on a conditioning course ahead of the World Cup tournament. Now he enjoys being part of the competition from the start.

"The guys who normally play international rugby into November have had an extra month's rest. We're all excited and we're enjoying being back on the paddock," McCaw said.

The Crusaders team: Leon MacDonald, Kade Poki, Casey Laulala, Stephen Brett, Caleb Ralph, Daniel Carter, Andrew Ellis, Mose Tuiali'i, Richie McCaw (capt), Kieran Read, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Campbell Johnstone, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett.

Substitutes: Ti'i Paulo, Greg Somerville, Reuben Thorne, Nasi Manu, Kahn Fotuali'i, Tim Bateman and Sean Maitland.

- Die Burger