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Something hopefully not so depressing to discuss.
Form from 2007
Coach Kobus van der Merwe promised some big things this year and talked some big talk. But the Stormers only won a few good games in 2007 and the rest of the season they were largely a flop. Kobus has since been given the flick and replaced by the highly innovative ex-Cheetah coach Rassie Erasmus. Erasmus brought some good performances out of the Cheetahs and proved the whole can be bigger than the sum of its parts. Hopefully he can rebuild a Stormers outfit that has recently been found serverly lacking and bring back the Capetown faithful. Erasmus' task hasn't been made any easier with Western Province failing to qualify for the Currie Cup semi-finals. It will be a tough year for the Stormers however a few seasons with Erasmus will see great changes.
Comnigs and Goings
Joe van Niekirk leaves the Stormers having frequently been injured in the last two seasons and overshadowed by young dynamo Pierre Spies. Robbie Diack, Capetowns 120kg answer to Wycliff Palu, will want to take over the No8 jersey but the lad will need to work hard to improve his work-rate. Huia Edmonds has also returned to the Brumbies after a stint with the Stormers. There was also talk of Schalk Burger moving to the Harlequins however since not much has happened with that you can assume its fallen through.
Former captain, De Wet Barry, also has left the Stormers this year. Barry was somewhat disgruntled with the Stormers after demotion from captain and then demotion from the starting XV. Barry is a fading star with a discipline problem, however, and probably won't be badly missed. Tony Brown joins the Capetown franchise and they will hope he weaves the same magic for them as he did for the Sharks in 2006.
Keep and Eye on
One couldn't have watched this years Force v Stormers match without feeling sorry for poor Gio Aplon. The little fellow from Hobbiton was the target of the Force's attack and, until his brain explosion late in the game for Ryan Cross' maiden try, took it with courage. Will he have a better season this year? If he does it isn't likely he will be playing at fullback as he is just too small. Will a talent for try-scoring in the Currie Cup finally translate to the Super 14 for Aplon?
While most of South Africa are sick of hearing about him its hard to deny 2008 will be a telling season for Luke Watson. With a new Springbok coach (and a new Stormers coach) Watson will be playing for a Springbok spot rather than being forced into the squad. He may also be playing for his role as captain as word is that that is under threat. There is no denying Luke is a great player and has a remarkable skill set to complement his resilience but he is not a typical Saffa back rower and selection will be largely down to the new coach and what his game plan is. He will be fun to watch in 2008 though.
Prospectus for 2008
The Stormers will be a better squad in 2008 but so will everyone else. It all comes down to how much better. Sure they won't set the competition alight like they did in 2004 but Tony Brown and Jean de Villiers will form an exciting combination in the backs and if the pack holds up they'll string a few more wins together. There is no doubt that Erasmus will tighten up the areas of weakness within the Stormers outfit but I can't help but feel that the man can't make mountains out of molehills. There just isn't the feeling there that they'll be great. The Stormers for 13th spot (or as I like to call it the Waratah spot).
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