The Stormers will be looking to turn around a purple patch against New Zealand sides when they take on a firing Hurricanes away from home. Catch all the live scores, highlights and action on The Roar from 5:35pm (AEST).
The defending Super Rugby champions are on a five-game winning streak after tasting defeat against the Chiefs back in Round 3.
Despite that game being their only loss of the season so far, the Canes are still somehow third in the New Zealand Conference in one of the toughest battles for top spot in Super Rugby history.
They have scored the most points of any side in the competition, even though they’ve played one game less than some, as they average an astounding 46 points per game.
For the Stormers, they were flying high as one of only a few undefeated sides left in the comp a few weeks ago, but have since lost three straight.
A debut loss to the Lions has been followed up by a very rough tour of New Zealand.
They have conceded 114 points in their last two games, letting in 57 points each against the Crusaders and Highlanders.
They still sit comfortably at the top of the Africa 1 standings though, a nice 12 points ahead of a struggling Bulls side.
History will be on the South African’s side however, as they come into this game having won four of the last five fixtures between the two, dating back more than seven years.
In saying that, it’s been even longer since the Stormers tasted success in Wellington. Not in 16 years have they picked up a win over the Canes in New Zealand, back in the early days in 2001.
Last time they met was Round 8 in 2015 when the Canes got up 25-20 at the same stadium as today’s game.
Team News
The Hurricanes will welcome back star halfback TJ Perenara into the starting lineup after coming off the bench in their last game.
He will snag the No.9 jersey and the captaincy, pushing Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi onto the bench.
Blade Thomson could be out for the season with a dislocated shoulder. He will be replaced this week by Callum Gibbins who comes into openside flanker, in turn, pushing Ardie Savea to No.8.
Shaun Treeby continues to move up the Stormers ladder, as the former Highlanders takes his place in the starting lineup for the first time since joining the South African franchise at inside centre.
He has replaced Dan Kriel.
The only other alteration to the starting 15 is the introduction of Dewaldt Duvenage into halfback.
Prediction
The Stormers have been thumped twice in as many weeks to NZ opposition and it doesn’t look like it will get any better against a Canes side with the best attack in the competition.
The Stormers really should put up a better fight than they have at the back end of their tour, but I just can’t see them getting past the home side on this one.
Hurricanes to win by 28
Catch all the live scores, highlights and action on The Roar from 5:35pm (AEST).
Kirky
Roar Rookie
Harry! I was about to ask your opinion on this player Kolisi prior to reading your above post as I really liked his stuff, ~ I think he's got it there to do well, if??????? Same with Marais, he appears to be a bit of a bolter and boy he can kick goals!
taylorman
Guest
Not saying they don't know, I'm saying they don't know how to manage it. In 2005 they knew everything as well but got completely outplayed in practically every area in every test. That's because the ABs went to a new level. I'm saying that the ABs they meet won't be anything they've seen so far so in that respect will underestimate them. They think they know what to expect but Lions tours have a tendency for the ABs to over prepare, to meet a side not as good as what they're expecting. With one win in 10 tests in times when the ABs were nowhere near as dominant as they are now the Lions have always got it well wrong, fallen way to short.
Debz
Guest
Dagg's gone. bbbbbbb for back up to Bender I reckon.
Lano
Roar Guru
Agree the score line was undeserving and flattered the Chiefs.
L o
Guest
I agree the score line was undeserving and flattered the Chiefs
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Not buying T-man. Everyone involved with the Lions knows a lot about NZ rugby, and the coaches probably watches more SR matches than you and me. Only a fool would go on tour in NZ without extended research about everything regarding AB's. Surely you must understand this? In one comment you say a Lions test is as important as it gets for the AB's (regarding bbbbbbbbb), but here you want to sugest that the Lions management are fools and the players knows nothing about Kiwi rugby. That does not make sense to me.
taylorman
Guest
Fake news!
taylorman
Guest
I know, but I still think they'll underestimate him, because they're largely inward looking with their rugby. Look at any rugby forum and all discussion is about who should or shouldn't be on tour, little is said about stopping Barrett, where clearly, and that applies to NZ Super sides as well, there needs to be. NH rugby is largely based on the basics rather than the X factor plays available. They'll more likely see the cross kicks as a bit lucky rather than select players or tactics to specifically combat it. I think it's that sort of thinking that becomes their undoing. They have little X factor themselves, and for some reason think everyone's like that. 2005 they had no idea what hit them.
taylorman
Guest
Yes he has X factor but not at an ABs v. Lions level which is about as high as it gets. It's rare someone can go that steeply through the grades and keep performing at the standard required. But if he gets on the field in this series it will be great, nothing more I like watching than the start of another great All Black, but as much as I want to see it, I wouldn't put him in this series. He has time on his side and too quick an elevation in expectation could have a negative impact on his progress, especially if he gets badly injured.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Small "b:s" to describe Jordie is brilliant. I mean it.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Many other players can cross kick and execute the move from time to time. But what BBBBBB is doing is on another level and it has been like that for some time now. As i wrote, BBBBB master this skill.
taylorman
Guest
Ha ha, it's been here for a while, Harry invented it after he kept giving the Boks a hard time. Each of Those B's actually mean something! Harry will recite them for you but have a tissue ready, it's very heartfelt. I just added the little b's, for little but big brother Jordie...
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Underestimate the impact Barrett can have?!? He is recognized as the best player in the world in both hemispheres and almost have a half century of Tests. And how many game winning tries has he scored for the AB's? He has been in every highlight real for the last four years dear T-man.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Hansen wants some X-factor and a plan B if the Lions somehow get the better out of him.
Old Bugger
Guest
CG I really believe, that no-one took any notice of the French test in 2004, when the ABs just dismantled them by 6tries to zip and DC, kicking a bagful of points. This game was the beginning of Ted's vision, to play with ball in hand and across the full pitch at a virtual non-stop attack and frenetic pace. The scoreline was unheard of, for a game in France. It was the first time, I had heard France supporters actually booing, their own side.....at home. Funny thing, was the first scrum of the game, the french pack just monstered the ABs pack and I thought uh-oh, what's next? I and I guess many more, never envisaged the outcome that did eventuate.....unbelievable!! The following year, was to become DC's statement year that he'd finally arrived on the international scene, as a first-five.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
BBBBBB and bbbbbbb - brilliant texting T-man. Never seen that before. And those two are the difference in many games Canes has played this year.
Whakaata
Guest
I agree Ryan, an extremely childish post on the Guru's part, and I use that term very lightly.
taylorman
Guest
I think the Lions will underestimate the impact Barrett can have. Easily the best player on the planet right now and back in the cradle of the ABs could just blow them off the park himself he's playing that well.
taylorman
Guest
Yes I was there and for most of it the Stormers competed well, the main difference...yet again, the BBBBBB and now bbbbbbbbbb factor making the diff. Blues would certainly have beaten the Canes if not for Barrett who pulled off so many ridiculous moves it sealed the game, and even then, just. But last night at 22-22 I said the Canes would win by 20. That's how confident they are with Barret/s on the field. I don't think I've seen a single player, and it started back at his run down of LeRoux at Ellis four years ago, provide so many wow moments in rugby. At the moment he's freaking everyone out every single week.
taylorman
Guest
Whereas I don't think he's ready just yet. Hasn't even played a full seasons Super rugby, playing Mitre 10 last year. Had it been a non Lions/ England tour possibly but it's not like Hansen to bring in a player in this position even though he likes to try them early. Three gradesin two years...too soon. Injury cover at best.