The Hurricanes' revamped flank force are hoping Springboks and Stormers rugby kingpin Schalk Burger doesn't choose tomorrow to find the blockbusting form of old.
Hulking flanker Burger's presence hasn't been as pronounced as usual this season, mirroring a Stormers side who are strong on paper but have slipped to 11th
place and out of Super 14 semifinal contention. The last thing the fifth-placed Hurricanes need is for Burger's mega-charged tackles and bursts with ball in hand to magically reappear at Westpac Stadium.
"He's probably been a bit quieter than what everyone's been used to. Maybe it's because their team aren't doing that great," said Hurricanes flanker Scott Waldrom.
"But he's certainly a big boy and he'll be tough work. Just making sure I get to the ball before he does is going to be pretty important."
Waldrom returns in place of Karl Lowe on the openside, having recovered from an oblique muscle tear
suffered on the day the Hurricanes arrived in South Africa nearly a month ago.
He returned home and targeted this week's game for a comeback, where he will partner exciting blindside flanker Victor Vito. Sevens star Vito replaces Faifili Levave for just his second Super rugby start and gives the hosts a lightning-quick loose forward trio, along with captain Rodney So'oialo.
"Victor's been helping out the sevens guys so he's pretty fit," said Waldrom.
"It's an opportunity for him to put his hands up and show the skills that he's got."
The Hurricanes have traditionally struggled against the Stormers, having lost the last two meetings. They boast just two wins from five home matches.
Waldrom looked on anxiously as his team suffered a loss to the Sharks in Durban but picked up narrow wins over the Lions and Western Force on the road.
"We know we can get some consistency just by being back at home for three games now," he said.
"Certainly we're in a good position, it's just a matter of whether we make the most of it, I guess."
- NZPA
