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Cape Town - Contrary to popular belief, Chiefs assistant coach Wayne Smith says the Stormers can be more of an attacking threat.
The Stormers have built a reputation in recent years for having a staunch defence, but frequently struggle in the try-scoring department.
In three games this year, they average only 14 points per game with one try apiece per outing.
But Smith, whose side tackle the Stormers in Hamilton on Friday, is wary of the Cape side, especially after their narrow 14-13 loss to the Crusaders in Christchurch last week.
"They deserved to win that game," Smith told the Sportal.co.nz website. "They were really strong one-on-one, their defence was really good and their pack were very efficient with their rolling maul from lineouts. And flanker Schalk Burger was absolutely outstanding for them."
Smith also feels the Stormers up their intent on attack when playing overseas.
"One thing we have noticed when they come on tour to New Zealand, the Stormers get a bit more expansive and away from that attritional style of game they play at home.
"They have talented backs with Jean de Villiers and Gio Aplon is dangerous and Damian de Allende looks really good at second five-eighth (inside centre). They offer a real threat to us," continued Smith.
The two-time defending champion Chiefs are unbeaten after two games this season and will be looking to avenge their 36-34 loss at Newlands last year.
Kick-off for Friday's game at Waikato Stadium is at 08:35 (SA time).
Teams:
Chiefs:
TBA
Stormers:
15. Jaco Taute, 14. Kobus van Wyk, 13. Jean de Villiers (captain), 12. Damian de Allende, 11. Gio Aplon, 10. Demetri Catrakilis, 9. Nic Groom, 8. Duane Vermeulen, 7. Schalk Burger, 6. Deon Fourie, 5. De Kock Steenkamp, 4. Ruan Botha, 3. Brok Harris, 2. Tiaan Liebenberg, 1. Steven Kitshoff
Subsitutes: 16. Stephan Coetzee, 17. Oliver Kebble, 18. Frans Malherbe, 19. Siya Kolisi, 20. Nizaam Carr, 21. Louis Schreuder, 22. Peter Grant, 23. Sailosi Tagicakibau
The Stormers have built a reputation in recent years for having a staunch defence, but frequently struggle in the try-scoring department.
In three games this year, they average only 14 points per game with one try apiece per outing.
But Smith, whose side tackle the Stormers in Hamilton on Friday, is wary of the Cape side, especially after their narrow 14-13 loss to the Crusaders in Christchurch last week.
"They deserved to win that game," Smith told the Sportal.co.nz website. "They were really strong one-on-one, their defence was really good and their pack were very efficient with their rolling maul from lineouts. And flanker Schalk Burger was absolutely outstanding for them."
Smith also feels the Stormers up their intent on attack when playing overseas.
"One thing we have noticed when they come on tour to New Zealand, the Stormers get a bit more expansive and away from that attritional style of game they play at home.
"They have talented backs with Jean de Villiers and Gio Aplon is dangerous and Damian de Allende looks really good at second five-eighth (inside centre). They offer a real threat to us," continued Smith.
The two-time defending champion Chiefs are unbeaten after two games this season and will be looking to avenge their 36-34 loss at Newlands last year.
Kick-off for Friday's game at Waikato Stadium is at 08:35 (SA time).
Teams:
Chiefs:
TBA
Stormers:
15. Jaco Taute, 14. Kobus van Wyk, 13. Jean de Villiers (captain), 12. Damian de Allende, 11. Gio Aplon, 10. Demetri Catrakilis, 9. Nic Groom, 8. Duane Vermeulen, 7. Schalk Burger, 6. Deon Fourie, 5. De Kock Steenkamp, 4. Ruan Botha, 3. Brok Harris, 2. Tiaan Liebenberg, 1. Steven Kitshoff
Subsitutes: 16. Stephan Coetzee, 17. Oliver Kebble, 18. Frans Malherbe, 19. Siya Kolisi, 20. Nizaam Carr, 21. Louis Schreuder, 22. Peter Grant, 23. Sailosi Tagicakibau
