Tony Brown: SA teams better in 2nd tour game

Cape Town - Highlanders coach Tony Brown is expecting a response from the Stormers when the teams meet in their Super Rugby clash in Dunedin on Friday.

The Stormers started their New Zealand tour on a low note last weekend when they were thumped 57-24 by the Crusaders in Christchurch.

But Brown expects an improved Stormers outfit this week, insisting that South African teams generally fare better in their second week on tour.

"The hardest game for any South African team is the first one in New Zealand and they were off their game against the Crusaders," Brown was quoted as saying on the Stuff.co.nz website.

"We're expecting a pretty tough battle. Traditionally, the second game that South African teams play in New Zealand they perform best in. We're not expecting a similar sort of performance that they had against the Crusaders... it's going to be bloody tough for us."

Meanwhile, Stormers coach Robbie Fleck - who made a number of changes to his side - said they will be a determined bunch in Dunedin.

"We have worked hard as a group to ensure that we bring the necessary intensity against the Highlanders this weekend Fleck said via a press statement released by the Stormers on Wednesday.

"This is a great opportunity for us to show what we are capable of in a tough environment against quality opposition, so everyone is looking forward to the challenge.”

Kick-off for Friday’s clash at Forsyth Barr Stadium is scheduled for 09:35 (SA time).

Teams:

Highlanders

15 Ben Smith (captain), 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Rob Thompson, 11 Patrick Osborne, 10 Marty Banks, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Liam Squire, 7 Dillon Hunt, 6 Gareth Evans, 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Alex Ainley, 3 Siosuia Halanukonuka, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown

Substitutes: 16 Greg Pleasants-Tate, 17 Aki Seiuli, 18 Siate Tokolahi, 19 Joe Wheeler, 20 Jackson Hemopo, 21 Kayne Hammington, 22 Fletcher Smith, 23 Matt Faddes

Stormers

15 SP Marais, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 EW Viljoen, 12 Dan Kriel, 11 Dillyn Leyds, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Nizaam Carr, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Jan de Klerk, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Oli Kebble.

Substitutes: 16 Ramone Samuels, 17 JC Janse van Rensburg, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Kobus van Dyk, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Dewaldt Duvenage, 22 Shaun Treeby, 23 Bjorn Basson