Allister Coetzee has made two changes to last weeks starting team for this all important clash against the Currie Cup Champion Sharks.
Schalk Burger returns to captain the side along with the promising Rynhardt Elstadt who takes his place in the second row. The rest of the team is pretty much the same side who thrashed the Western Force with the exception of Ethienne Reynecke who replaces young UCT hooker Siyabonga Ntubeni.
According to a comment made by Tank Lanning on twitter, the former Lions hooker threatened to leave the Cape side if he was not picked this weekend. Surely no player can hold a team to ransom.
Gary Van Aswegan replaces Lionel Cronje on the bench.
Here is the team:
15 Gio Aplon, 14 Danie Poolman, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Peter Grant, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Francois Louw, 6 Schalk Burger (c), 5 Andries Bekker, 4 Rynhardt Elstadt, 3 Brok Harris, 2 Deon Fourie, 1 Wicus Blaauw.
Subs: 16 Ethienne Reynecke, 17 CJ van der Linde, 18 De Kock Steenkamp, 19 Nick Koster, 20 Ricky Januarie, 21 Gary van Aswegen, 22 Juan de Jongh.
Lets go Stormers lets go!!
The Sharks forwards are soft! Pass it on…
Apparently, the former Lions hooker threatened to leave the Cape side if he was not picked this weekend. Talk about windgat!! Surely no player can hold a team to ransom.
Just giving him enough rope to hang himself… Ntubeni is the future…
@wpw (Comment 2) :
Stormers are favorites!!!…….pass it on!
Undefeated Stormers are huge favorites to beat the Sharks that have just lost their last 2 games!
@wpw (Comment 2) : It’s too bad Lambie is not playing to give Schalk another hand off
Typical Stormers always grabbing the underdog tag!!
Impressive side though!
Let’s hope our midfield and breakdown is on top form, otherwise we will have big problems.
correct me if i am wrong but do you not have to be lower down in a table to be classed as underdogs? think the stormers are starting with excuses early,,,,,
Wth? Ettiene Reyneke. If he does that tell him he can take his kit and go! Why do the stormers put up with that? Stormers will be favourites here WPW so don’t you grab the underdog tag here okay?
Nice try Wes!
not gonna work, mate! 
@weeman (Comment 7) : It’s Wes, he has no idea what “subtle” means!
The Sharks are playing at home. The Stormers have not beaten the Sharks in Super rugby since 2004 if Im not mistaken!!
Sharks ARE FAVOURITES!!
Can someone please tell me when last you have lost a Super rugby match in Durban??
@wpw (Comment 11) : Its only a stadium with grass. Stormers are favourites just like the 2010 currie cup final.
Sharks by 7.
Stormers are favourites.
@Viking (Comment 5) :
Haha! You are funny weasel.
good one
@Big Fish (Comment 16) :
When are we hooking up dude?? You’re such a fader!!
@wpw (Comment 11) : unfortunately not so long ago. Last year (we let our developmental team to win so that they gain some confidence
@wpw (Comment 11) : funny Wes… someone who`s a (trophyless)liverpool/stormers fan should have a sence of humour.
hey, why we sweet talking wpw? where have all the chirps gone?
@Viking (Comment 5) : fortunately Big Vic is still there to give him another hug
@VanWilder (Comment 20) :
Its cos Im the only Stormers supporter around at the moment.
Oh and the fact that I’m such a likable oke!!
Now let me go and read it.
@wpw (Comment 22) : You reckon Habana will score a hatrick against the Sharks?
@VanWilder (Comment 20) : this is a new sophisticated form of chirping.
“…Surely no player can hold a team to ransom.”
Looks like he did…and succeeded.
@wpw (Comment 22) : with nurtured hairstyle
@VanWilder (Comment 20) : A Stormers AND Liverpool fan??? Wow, now that is the eternal optimist!!
can’t say I blame Reynecke… I’m sure he didn’t come down on loan from Saracens to sit on hte Vodacom Cup bench
Schalk Burger back for the Sharks game. Sho took 5 months to recover from his broken rib he got from Willem Alberts. Better watch your step Schala!
Alaister Coetzee asked John Plumtree after the Currie Cup final—”Plum, I thought I had the journey planned, how did you beat me?”
“Pretty simple,” replied Plum, “I picked my players for their intelligence and asked them just one question.”
“That simple?” said Coetzee. “Yep,”replied Plum, “pick one of my squad and see how he does.”
Coetzee thought for a while then nominated Pat Lambie. Plum called him over and asked him, “Who is the child of your father and of your mother who is not your brother and is not your sister?” “Ah simple, Coach,” says Pat, “it’s me.”
“Well done, Pat,” said Plum, and Coetzee was very impressed. He returned to the hotel and wondered about the intelligence of his team. He called in Schalk Burger and asked him, “Who is the child of your father and of your mother who is not your brother and is not your sister?”
Schalk thought and thought and couldn’t come up with the answer. “Can I think about it a bit more, Coach?—I’ll give you an answer tomorrow.”
“Of course,” said Coetzee, “you’ve got 24 hours. But it is very important that you come up with the answer.”
Schalk went away, thinking as hard as he could, and then he called in his team-mates. Juan de Jongh thought it might be his grandpa but wasn’t sure. Wicus Blaauw was certain that it couldn’t be anyone. Peter Grant refused to answer in case he was sacked for not knowing.
Tiaan Liebenberg thought it would be an uncle in Zimbabwe who had been adopted as a child. Ricky January went into the foetal position. The rest of the team wouldn’t even hazard a guess. Twenty hours later, Schalk was very worried that he still had no answer with only four hours to go. Eventually Burger thought, “I know, I’ll ring Bobby Skinstadt—he’s bloody smart, he’ll know the answer.”
He phoned Bob. “Bob, tell me—who is the child of your father and of your mother who is not your brother and is not your sister?”
“Very simple,” said Skinstadt, “It’s me.”
“Of course,” said Schalk and rang Coetzee. “Coach, I’ve got the answer—it’s Bob Skinstadt!”
“No, you idiot,” said Coetzee, “It’s Pat Lambie.”
Geez! This UNBEATEN Stormers side is strong!
@wpw (Comment 22) : nah, your not such a bad bloke i must admit… but the stormers should be favourites for saterday.
Jy weet mos, `n blinde hoender pik ook so nou en dan iets raak…
@CapeShark (Comment 28) : A stormers, Liverpool AND Proteas fan, now THATS the eternal optimist…
@rekinek (Comment 27) :
@VanWilder (Comment 31) :
@VanWilder (Comment 31) : Good one!
Going into self-imposed exile for bad behavior on this blog. Will be back when the Lions win again. Who knows how long it will be. Take it easy. Over and out.
@VanWilder (Comment 34) : @CapeShark (Comment 28) :
@VanWilder (Comment 31) : BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
@Speed7 (Comment 38) : that’s a pity. specially realising that you may only be back during Currie Cup when they’ve played Leopards unless VC win counts
@rekinek (Comment 41) : ouch!
chirp of the day so far 
@wpw (Comment 39) : wpw, on a more serious note. what a great deal… Suarez and Carroll for Torres. good business.
@Speed7 (Comment 38) :
Well in that case it was nice knowing you boet.
Take care. Chat again when the Currie Cup comes around… oh wait!!
@VanWilder (Comment 42) : this is what happens when I try to be nice. Must stop immediately
@Vanwilder (Comment 31)
Stop it…I’m trying to work. Can’t be laughing so lound in the office!
Focus, we have a massive game on Saturday and those Broke back mountain boys want to make us their female dogs
@rekinek (Comment 45) : i think youre forcing the “being nice” part… just relax, it should come naturally.
@Speed7 (Comment 38) : that’s big of you
Which 2 teams do the stormers not play this year?
@Viking (Comment 5) : Priceless!
@wpw (Comment 22) : wpw – as in Wesley from back in the days on Keo?
@Ben (Comment 49) : crusaders me think.
@rekinek (Comment 52) : Someone metioned they play the Saders in Cape Town. I think they miss the Waratahs. And the team from NZ I have no idea.
@kingshark (Comment 51) :
Thats my name!!
@Ben (Comment 53) : you’re right they play saders on 7 May in CT. They miss canes & tahs.
@rekinek (Comment 55) : Sharks seem to be missing out on Highlanders and Reds.
It’s a pity than Andries Strauss isn’t playing to scare the shit out of the Stormers backs again
@Pokkel (Comment 57) : But Willem Alberts is playing!
@rekinek (Comment 55) : @rekinek (Comment 56) : Okay thanks, the Canes are the missing link here.
Yeah I’m pretty happy we miss those 2 teams. Can be tough games them both.
@Ben (Comment 58) : @Pokkel (Comment 57) :
See i told you, you guys are the favourites!!
Testing
@GeneralSpecific (Comment 61) : Success
@GeneralSpecific (Comment 61) : You made it Appollo!
@Ice (Comment 63) : Oh gawd, sorry – dis Jan van Riebeeck!
Or is it Simon van der Stel?? 
@wpw (Comment 60) : But you see Schalk Burger is the only one that will be afraid of Willem Alberts. So I think the Stormers are Favourites!
For me, neither of these teams is a favourite
@Greg (Comment 66) : Going for a draw?
@Ben (Comment 67) : Is it perhaps possible for both to lose?
@GeneralSpecific (Comment 61) : successful test
@GeneralSpecific (Comment 61) :
Wrong turn, Little Big Horn was one back.
Welcome anyway, but be warned, you could lose your scalp around here.
@robdylan (Comment 69) : Depends what was being tested
@Greg (Comment 68) : Nah that’s only when the Lions and Cheetahs play!
@Ben (Comment 72) : Could work then, how many former Lions and cheetahs will be on display in durban?
So may comments for GeneralSpecific and no response. You bunch scared him/her/it already!
@Greg (Comment 73) : 0
@rekinek (Comment 74) : He thought this was a site where the Sharks are Favourites!
@Greg (Comment 73) : but those were coastalised. does it still count ?
@Ben (Comment 75) : I did say ‘former’ – by my count there are four in Wes’ favourite team that is not his favourite team, how many will be in his favourite team that is not his favourite team
Now, see who can figure out that one
@rekinek (Comment 77) : Coastalised? Is that even a word?
@Greg (Comment 78) : I count 5 in his favourite team that is not his favourite team!
@rekinek (Comment 74) :
Propbably looking for a a hill to make his last stand.
@Greg (Comment 79) :
Yes, a synonym for civilised.
@Ben (Comment 80) : Sorry I meant 4
@Ben (Comment 83) : ricky, fourie, habs, who else?
@Ben (Comment 83) : Been sitting here for the past couple of minutes racking my brains, thinking which one I missed
@rekinek (Comment 84) : Reyneke
@Greg (Comment 79) : of course.
i dare say controversial avatar
@Greg (Comment 79) : yip, we learn them to eat with a knive and fork, we give them salaries they deserve and proper contract, not the monopoly kind
@rekinek (Comment 84) : Ethienne Reynecke, team, not starting line up!
@rekinek (Comment 84) : Sharks buddy.
@Salmonoid (Comment 86) : what about jantjes?
@VanWilder (Comment 88) : We learn them to eat with a knife and fork?
Ex lions – Alberts and Ludik.
Ex cheetahs – Bosman and J du Plesis.
Did I miss someone?
@Greg (Comment 89) : oh, scrap the jantjes comment then…
@Salmonoid (Comment 86) : true – how could I miss the alleged blackmailer
@rekinek (Comment 87) : An original, (the picture, not the idea)
@VanWilder (Comment 91) : Dont see him on the team sheet. Seems like Gary van Aswegan to cover flyhalf and fullback.
@Ben (Comment 93) : jp peterson, john smit, beast… oh no, geez, sorry… the lions never got to sign them… BWAHAHAHAHA…
@rekinek (Comment 95) : Maybe because he doesnt look like himself anymore.
This must be the 1st time in history that an undefeated team are underdogs against a team having lost 2 on the trot.
What WILL the WP media dream up next?
@VanWilder (Comment 98) : Haha
@Ben (Comment 93) : Wait I missed one, or it depends if he makes the team, JLP – ex Cheetah.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 100) : well, they believed that Ricky January was the best scrummy in the country, so forgive them for being a little naive…
@KSA Shark © (Comment 100) : Lets not forget that the “favourites” have just returned home for the second time from traveling half way around the world.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 100) : To be fair, sharks do hold the upper hand in durban
@Greg (Comment 105) : well, in super rugby form from last year and this year combined, stormers should walk this one…
@Ben (Comment 93) : oh – if we count ex cheetahs there will be at least one in the Stormers team.
you missed Bismarck.
@rekinek (Comment 107) : Did Bissie play for the Cheetahs? Must have been very long ago. Who is the Cheetah in the Stormers team?
@Salmonoid (Comment 104) :
@rekinek (Comment 107) : Oh CJ van der Linde?
@Greg (Comment 105) : so we hope
@Ben (Comment 108) : Duane as well.
@Original Champion (Comment 112) : Geez never mind I’ve lost count!
@Ben (Comment 110) : duane vermeulen definately. not sure who else, as far as I recall there were few in “Rassie’s” contingent.
@Ben (Comment 113) : so now lets count all the sharks and stormers in Lions site
@rekinek (Comment 115) : 22 sounds about right???
@Ben (Comment 116) :
That’s it from me for today. Chatta later.
@rekinek (Comment 117) : Cheers dude.
@rekinek (Comment 117) :
Ciao
I’ve got faith and alot of it the sharks should take this one we did it before we can do it again
gee can a player fire the coach if he is not picked to play this week-end
if not good to play there is no way in hell any coach will pick a team player if there are better players that can play get ahead of your self please don’t like what you are eating then don’t eat it get my drift
@rekinek (Comment 117) : hi and sorry i missed you my friend cheers for now
@chaz (Comment 120) : For sure!
Refer Chisholm et al vs Friend 2011 !
@Original Champion (Comment 122) :
If the Stormers can not win this weekend they really are all bark and no bite.
it would be sad with all the hype and so on.
@wpw (Comment 1) :
Looks more and more powerful…. everytime I look at them ….Good luck for Saturday !
I see PDivvy has said he will announce the Springbok captain on May 2, and he said it may or may not be John Smit…
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 125) : hmmm
which side are you on 
@Crock (Comment 126) : i think I would be surprised if it is not John although I have some doubts whether he deserves starting spot not because something wrong with him but because Bis, Jannie, Beast seem to be better in all respective front row position. The other thing of course they probabbly know that they have to play out of their skins as their places are less certain.
Having said that I don’t think we have any deputy ligned up. I don’t think Matfield is an answer having account to his obvious ref irritation if the things get hot, Juan Smith sadly out of the picture and neither Burger or de Villiers are convincing options to me.
@chaz (Comment 121) : pity indeed. You have been scarce lately
@rekinek, I agree. The decision to be made is, do we select the best captain (without which we are worse off, and don’t have the best player in that position) or the best players in each position (worse off again without captain Smit). So, which is the lesser of the two evils? Tough decision, and I would have made it lobger ago, not this close to the WC!!
@Crock (Comment 126) : John will be there and will be the Captain. But it sounds like PD has got something up his sleave. He might anounce something like John Captain while VIC and Jean De Villiers being co-Captains or something.