The Stormers will leave for the Australasian leg of their Super 12 campaign on Thursday with the semifinals a clear goal.
”I think three wins out of our remaining five games will get us into the semifinals,” coach Gert Smal said on Wednesday at a press conference where he announced his 26-man touring squad.
They start with a match against the Reds in Brisbane on April 10, followed by clashes with the Blues (April 16), Chiefs (April 23) and Crusaders (May 1). The Stormers will also play the Sharks the first weekend after their return.
Unless they finish in the top two of the log, captain Corne Krige, who will play overseas next season, has played his last Super 12 match at Newlands.
”We are working for a home semifinal, not just for Corne, but for the supporters,” said Smal.
”It’s difficult to say which games we will target for obvious reasons as the opposition will see it. We want to get points as soon as possible.”
Smal challenged his team to play their way into Springbok contention.
”The selectors and national coaches will be looking at individuals who can perform well away from home. You must have that in your make-up if you want to be a Springbok,” he said.
The Stormers coach will use squad rotation to keep his physical players fit throughout their campaign.
”I’d like to create some rest for Corne, even if it’s by putting him on the bench,” said Smal.
Krige, abrasive centre De Wet Barry and powerhouse lock Quinton Davids all sat out at a training session this week.
Rossouw brothers Chris and Pieter, as well as hooker Pieter Dixon, are all expected back from injury for the Reds clash. There is a slim chance of fullback Werner Greeff making it back, though lock Selborne Boome will definitely only be ready for the Blues clash the following week. — Sapa
Stormers tour squad: Adri Badenhorst, Bolla Conradie, Breyton Paulse, Chris Rossouw, Corne Krige, Daan Human, David Britz, De Wet Barry, Eddie Andrews, Gaffie du Toit, Gavin Hume, Gus Theron, Hendrik Gerber, Marius Joubert, Neil de Kock, Pat Barnard, Pierre Uys, Pieter Dixon, Pieter Rossouw, Quinton Davids, Rob Linde, Schalk Burger, Selborne Boome, Tonderai Chavhanga, Werner Greeff and Willem Stoltz