KEY POINTS:
The Stormers might be the lowest-scoring team in the Super 14, but the Chiefs have been preparing for an expansive approach from the South Africans tonight in Hamilton.
With just 53 points and five tries to their name - four of them against the hapless Reds last week
- the Stormers scarcely deserve their reputation as a potent attacking side.
But with captain Schalk Burger back from suspension and the morale boost from last week's 34-16 victory in Brisbane after three consecutive losses, the Stormers have the makings of a dangerous opponent.
"They have got good ball runners right across the park and if you look at their loosies they have got some sharp operators there," Chiefs lock Kevin O'Neill said.
"They are a good team and they like to spread you out more than your typical South African team. They play with a lot of width and try to exploit you one-on-one. It is pretty key to make those first-up tackles."
The Stormers also boast a backline studded with Springboks and look to have a significant edge in goal-kicking, where first five-eighths Peter Grant is striking at 85 per cent. His Chiefs counterpart, Stephen Donald, has landed two difficult match-winning penalties this season but is averaging just 45 per cent overall.
The Chiefs will be hoping to get through the match without any further losses to their already severely depleted locking resources.
Captain Jono Gibbes is still over a month away with a hamstring injury, while Kristian Ormsby and late call-up Mark Burman are gone for the season.
That leaves O'Neill and Toby Lynn as the only fit genuine locks in the squad.
"Locks are definitely becoming a dying breed around here," said O'Neill. "They are dropping like flies at the moment so touch wood I can keep getting out on the field and stay injury-free."
O'Neill, who spent three years as a bit-part player for the Crusaders, is relishing the chance to play every week.
"The whole point in me coming up to the Waikato was to get a bit of game time in Super 14. So far that has been happening and hopefully it will continue.
"In the past I'd play one game here and there and be given a whole lot of things to work on but never get a chance to do that in a game situation.
"You can practise in training but it is not until you get out on the field that you really know where you are at."
Jay Williams was yesterday included in the squad, replacing Burman. The 25-year-old has played 18 games for Auckland.
Chiefs coach Ian Foster believes his side have been steadily improving. In last weekend's come-from-behind victory over the Cheetahs they played with more confidence, made better decisions and handled the ball better, he said.
"We are starting to put teams under pressure when we've got the ball."
Foster was particularly pleased with the standout performance of blindside flanker Faifili Lavave, who has retained his place after making a good fist of his first Super rugby start.
"He really took his opportunity," Foster said. "He showed a lot of power with the ball and a lot of accuracy in defence."
Lavave can also cover lock, which could save Foster from plan B.
"I think we'll play cards on the bench and whoever loses has to play lock."
