Must you put the boot into Stormers?
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Based on recent matches there appears to be a growing philosophy that the only way to breach the Stormers' watertight defence is with an aggressive kicking game.
Both the Cheetahs and Waratahs approached their clashes against the Stormers by adopting a kicking-orientated gameplan, which Stormers backline coach Robbie Fleck believes is based on his team's top notch defence.
"It's pretty evident over the last two games to see what teams are looking to do against us," Fleck told this website.
"You can see teams have learnt from what the Crusaders did against us, putting these attacking kicks in behind us and a massive kicking duel seems to help, because they struggle to crack our defence.
"Our boys did extremely well last week against some attacking kicks from Berrick Barnes, who dropped some pin-point up and unders on the guys at the back."
Fleck expects a similar approach from the Sharks on Saturday, with the selection of Freddie Michalak at flyhalf and Pat Lambie at fullback geared to a specific gameplan.
"It's an interesting selection that I think that indicates that they'll play an attacking kicking game," Fleck explained with regard to starting Michalak at flyhalf.
"Michalak is a master at putting those little dinks in behind a team and Lambie will be at the back to handle our kicking game. If their forwards give them good go-forward ball that will play into Michalak's hands and Lambie can pop up anywhere in the backline and put us under pressure."
There is also often a question surrounding the humidity in Durban and how slippery the ball can become, but as winter approaches that may be less of an issue.
"We have chatted about the humidity, but hopefully it will be a bit cooler and we can play in some good dry conditions," Fleck said nonchalantly. "We've had to deal with a slippery ball over the past two weekends anyway, so we're used to it."
The Sharks will also offer a massive challenge to the Stormers in Durban, coming off back to back bonus-point victories against the Force and Cheetahs.
"They're looking extremely good and playing with a lot of confidence – last weekend was a big win for them," Fleck said. "They dismantled the Cheetahs with their big strong ball carriers up front, and they cut them open out wide."
Fleck has also been admiring Sharks centre Paul Jordaan, who looks more than a handful on attack.
"Paul Jordaan is a special talent and I remember we tried to recruit him… but the Sharks got there first," Fleck added. "He's somebody we'll need to keep a close eye on during the match."
However, the Stormers have their own pocket rocket in the form of Gio Aplon, who will wear the No.15 jersey this week in Joe Pietersen's absence.
"Joe has been phenomenal at the back and is excellent under the high ball, so we'll miss him," the coach explained.
"Gio can open up anything on the pitch and maybe the Sharks will think twice about kicking on him, because he does bring a different dynamic and is dangerous whenever he enters the line."
By Timmy Hancox
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