Stormers squad dissection:

The stormers may have lost their influential lock who helped lead their pack the last couple of seasons, but wow if their team is at full fitness they will match up to anyone. Starting from the front with a springbok front three going to the new hero of South-Africa Siya Kolisi and on to world rugby player of the year Pieter-Steph du Toit. That is just in the forwards and in the backline they have the up and comming halfback Herschel Jantjies who scored in Wellington last year to give the Springboks the score equaling try to draw the game. They also have a very dangerous backline and will hope the likes of Seabelo Senatla and Ruhan Nel will bring over their form of the sevens circuit to the 15’s game.

Players to look out for:

Herschel Jantjies: He is not just another up and coming scrum half, that there is allot expected of no it’s the other way around. When he came into super rugby last year their was no expectations on him, it almost seemed like he flew under the radar at the age levels but wow did he come onto the scene and blew everyone’s socks of. He is a very lively scrum half and models his game on Cobus Reinach. Very dangerous around the breakdown and as quick as even the fastest wing in the game. He is one player the opposition teams will have to look out for because if they don’t he will punish them.

Siya Kolisi: Yes I am going to talk a bit more about him after everyone already did. I believe his captaincy is his biggest attribute he brings to the team the same thing John Smit brought to the 2007 Boks. He will be a huge inspiration to play with in the team and lets not forget he is also a great flanker. He runs the ball as hard as any player and most of the times runs over the defender and if he can’t he will look to of load to another player hitting the gap. His defence is secure and don’t often miss a tackle. He will form part of a very impressive back trio.

Pieter-Steph du Toit: The world rugby player of the year. That is all you have to say to know that he is the best. The thing I am glad about is that finally world rugby picked the hardest working player in the world instead of just a flashy showman. He will out work every single player he plays with and against week in and week out. If he is in your team you will feel like it is almost 17 vs 15 and he makes it seams as if your team has another player on the field. I don’t think he will get player of the year again but just because he doesn’t do the flashy things. He will still be the best in the world but world rugby will pick a flamboyant backline player who draws attention to the game.

New players in the team:

Ben-Jason Dixon (Lock), Schalk Erasmus (Hooker), Dan Jooste (Hooker), Leon Lyons (Prop), Sazi Sandi (Prop), Michal Haznar (Center), Tristan Leyds (Utility back), Godlen Masimla (Halfback-Wing), Matt Moore (Wing), Rikus Pretorius (Center), Jamie Roberts (Center), Cornel Smit (Center), Leolin Zas (Wing).

Players that left the team:

Michael Kumbirai, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Alistair Vermaak, Eben Etzebeth, Chris Massyn, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Kobus van Dyk, Justin Phillips, Jano Vermaak, Joshua Stander, Damian de Allende, JJ Engelbrecht, Dan Kriel, EW Viljoen, Duncan Saal, Craig Barry, SP Marais.