Stormers vs Hurricanes: Super Rugby live scores, blog

The penultimate game of Super Rugby’s opening round kicks off in Cape Town, with the Stormers hosting the Hurricanes. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog from 12:05am (AEDT).

After crashing out in the semi-finals last year, the Hurricanes kick off their 2020 campaign on the road, with matches against the Stormers and Jaguares. Last year was another pleasing effort from the Wellington-based team, with 12 wins and three losses, including two victories on the road in South Africa.

While the Stormers came last in the South African conference, that doesn’t do them justice. They finished just two bonus points behind the third-placed Sharks who were on 37, beat all four of their rivals, and held the Crusaders to a draw. Despite the pleasing result against the eventual champions, it was out-of-conference games that cost them last year, with just three wins from eight fixtures.

It’s been a mixed off-season for the Stormers, who’ve released their coach Robbie Fleck, opting instead for John Dobson. They also lose Damian de Allende, Eben Etzebeth, and SP Marais. However, they keep a number of World Cup-winning Springboks, including Siya Kolisi.

The Hurricanes’ big loss is – you knew it – Beauden Barrett. Fletcher Smith takes his place, which is a fair step down in quality. They also lost Nehe Milner-Skudder, who admittedly hasn’t played such a big part in recent seasons, but have pinched Scott Scrafton and Tyrel Lomax from their neighbours, both of whom will start this weekend.

In team news, TJ Perenara and Jordie Barrett will both run on for Jason Holland’s men, in what remains a strong back line with Ngani Laumape, Ben Lam and Wes Goosen. Up front, Gareth Evans, Du’Plessis Kirifi and James Blackwell headline a weaker pack than in seasons past.

Herschel Jantjies and Damian Willemse partner in the halves, Dillyn Leyds and Seabelo Senatla feature in a back line with Jamie Roberts making his Stormers debut. In the forwards, Steven Kitshoff, Pieter Steph du Toit and Siya Kolisi will take on the visitors.

Prediction
The Stormers are traditionally a tough challenge at Newlands, and they do go in narrow favourites, with a strong starting team.

The Hurricanes will have to adjust to life without Barrett, and I think it’ll take a few weeks for them to settle in.

Stormers by seven.

Make sure to join The Roar for live scores and a blog from 12:05am (AEDT).

Game information

Time: 12:05am (AEDT)
Venue: DHL Newlands Stadium
TV: Fox Sports
Referee: Jaco Peyper
Odds: Stormers $1.74, Hurricanes $2.10
Last five meetings: Hurricanes 34-28, Hurricanes 41-22, Hurricanes 25-20, Stormers 19-18, Stormers 18-16

Hurricanes line-up
Fraser Armstrong, Ricky Riccitelli, Tyrel Lomax, James Blackwell, Scott Scrafton, Reed Prinsep, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Gareth Evans. TJ Perenara, Fletcher Smith, Ben Lam, Ngani Laumape, Billy Proctor, Wes Goosen, Jordie Barrett. Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Pouri Rakete -Stones, Tevita Mafileo, Vaea Fifita, Devan Flanders, Jamie Booth, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Vince Aso.

Stormers line-up
Steven Kitshoff, Bongi Mbonambi, Frans Malherbe, Salmaan Moerat, Chris van Zyl, Jaco Coetzee, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Herschel Jantjies, Damian Willemse, Seabelo Senatla, Jamie Roberts, Ruhan Nel, Sergeal Petersen, Dillyn Leyds. Reserves: Scarra Ntubeni, Ali Vermaak, Wilco Louw, David Meihuizen, Ernst van Rhyn, Johan du Toit, Godlen Masimla, Rikus Pretorius.