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Cape Town - Lock Eben Etzebeth says the Stormers will need to be defensively solid when they face the Brumbies at Newlands on Saturday (19:15 kick-off).
The Brumbies have been one of the standout performers during the early part of the 2016 Super Rugby campaign.
The men from Canberra are tied with the Chiefs for most tries after three rounds (15), averaging five tries a match. They also boast the best points difference record, scoring 115 and only conceding 39 points, highlighting their all-round threat.
Etzebeth said the Stormers have noted the Brumbies’ impressive form.
“The statistics say it all. The Brumbies have performed really well so far. They’re the leading try-scorers in the competition, so they will be a big threat with ball in hand,” Etzebeth told MyPlayers.
“We will need to ensure we prepare our defensive structures accordingly. The Brumbies will test us with ball in hand. They will also be a big threat at the set-pieces.”
The Stormers suffered their first defeat of the competition against the Sharks last weekend. However, Etzebeth stressed that the Cape side is focused on achieving its main goal - winning the Super Rugby title.
“If you’re not aiming to win the title, then I think you’re in the wrong sport. The Stormers are definitely aiming to win Super Rugby. It’s a collective goal we have as a team.
“The tournament provides a fresh challenge with its new 18-team structure. But we’ll take things one weekend at a time, starting with the Brumbies on Saturday.”
Teams:
Stormers
15 Cheslin Kolbe, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Johnny Kotze, 12 Juan de Jongh (co-captain), 11 Dillyn Leyds, 10 Kurt Coleman, 9 Nic Groom, 8 Schalk Burger, 7 Siya Kolisi, 6 Nizaam Carr, 5 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe (co-captain), 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 JC Janse van Rensburg
Substitutes: 16 Scarra Ntubeni, 17 Oli Kebble, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 JD Schickerling, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Louis Schreuder, 22 Jean-Luc du Plessis, 23 Leolin Zas
Brumbies
15 Aidan Toua, 14 Henry Speight, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Matt Toomua, 11 Joe Tomane, 10 Christian Lealiifano (co-captain), 9 Tomas Cubelli, 8 Jarrad Butler, 7 David Pocock, 6 Scott Fardy, 5 Sam Carter, 4 Rory Arnold, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore (co-captain), 1 Scott Sio
Substitutes: 16 Josh Mann-Rea, 17 Allan Alaalatoa, 18 Leslie Leulua’iali’i-Makin, 19 Tom Staniforth, 20 Jordan Smiler, 21 Michael Dowsett, 22 Robbie Coleman, 23 Nigel Ah Wong
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