Bryan adds some firepower to the Stormers backline

The CA Brumbies have moved on to Cape Town for the second match of their African tour against the in form Stormers.  After a 2nd half they’d rather forget against the Bulls last week, the Brumbies will be looking  for redemption; hoping for a similar first half effort that had them leading the 2009 Champions.

A display for the full 80 minutes could give them a victory at Newlands for the first time since 2004. Ill discipline has been a concern for the Brumbies camp in the opening 2 rounds and this will need to be addressed to ensure they have a chance of winning and not giving away points in multiples of 3.

The Brumbies have made only one change to their starting lineup with Ben Hand coming in for Justin Harrison in the second row.  Harrison’s demotion to the bench could be considered a surprise considering the Brumbies lineout went pear shaped when he and Stephen Moore were replaced in the 2nd half at Loftus. Christian Lealiifano (arm) and Patrick Phibbs (dislocated finger) have overcome their injuries to take their places in the matchday squad.

The Canberrans will be hoping that Huia Edmonds and Matt Toomua will be able to reveal some secrets of the Stormers play with both players having had some involvement in the Western Province/Stormers set up in recent times.  Coach Andy Friend was impressed with the performances of both Rocky Elsom and Matt Giteau, who played 80 and 72 minutes respectively in last weeks game in only their first start of the season,  and will be looking for a similar display against the Stormers.

The Stormers are on a high after starting their season 2-0 and the resounding victory over the Waratahs last week will give them a lot of confidence heading into this match. Unfortunately, Schalk Burger will be missing through an injury to his hamstring which he picked up last week, denying an expected sell out crowd the pleasure of watching him go head to head with George Smith.

New recruits Bryan Habana and Jacque Fourie will be looking for plenty of ball after solid starts in new colours. Habana should be on the lookout for Brumbies winger Francis Fainifo, who ran the Stormers speedster down after giving Habana a 10m head start in the Brumbies v Bulls clash last year. Hopefully a dry track can ensure a repeat display.

Stormers vs Brumbies at Newlands. Kick off 4:10am Saturday AEDT
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Pro Legoete (South Africa), Cobus Wessels (South Africa)
Television match official: Johann Meuwesen (South Africa)