My emotions are probably getting the better of me, but I believe 2020 can be a big one for the Stormers.
OK, allow me to say it straight out: I believe the Stormers can win next year’s Super Rugby trophy.
Duidelike Dudley, jy is mal, you might think.
I beg to differ, I do believe coach John Dobson’s team has every chance of lifting the trophy for the first time in the tournament’s history.
Here’s the motivation.
FAREWELL: Newlands Rugby Stadium will see it's final rugby games next year. Picture: File image.
One word: Newlands.
For more than a century the home of rugby in Cape Town, 2020 will be the last time you will see the blue and white hoops at this ground.
Thousands have strapped up to take the field at this iconic stadium and if bringing the ultimate domestic rugby prize as a parting gift to the stadium isn’t motivation enough, then those currently in the squad don’t deserve to be there.
For those who don’t know yet, Cape Town Stadium is set to become the Stormers and Western Province’s new home from 2021 onwards.
However, motivation isn’t enough to get you over the line.
You need a good team and great support to do so.
The latter has never been an issue at the foot of Table Mountain.
PROMISING: Coach John Dobson. Picture: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix.
Now let’s look at the former.
The Stormers squad won’t be much different to the one that played last season under Robbie Fleck.
But there is a big difference, the core of this team has had a taste of victory and they would want more.
Led by captain Siya Kolisi, a number of the Stormers stars won the World Cup with the Springboks.
In fact, the pack that was so dominant for the Springboks are almost entirely made up of Stormers.
Props Steven Kitshoff and Frans Malherbe are both here.
They will man the front row with Bongi Mbonambi to complete arguably the most-feared frontline unit at scrum time in the tournament.
The loss of Eben Etzebeth to Toulon is, admittedly, a big one.
But despite some interest from Saracens, Cobus Wiese is staying in Cape Town and alongside JD Schickerling, Salmaan Moerat and Chris van Zyl, there should be enough cover in the middle of the scrum.
In Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Juarno Augustus and some other youngsters, they are covered at looseforward.
To the backline.
Herschel Jantjies’ phenomenal rise to stardom this year, couldn’t have come at a better time.
MAINSTAY: Stormers will retain the backbone of their squad. Picture: BackpagePix.
His time in the Bok camp and a World Cup gold medal would have done wonders in terms of confidence as well as experience.
I am sure he will be even better in 2020 and partnered with Damian Willemse at halfback, they make for an exciting duo - not only for the Stormers, but for the Boks as well.
Now I am getting to what I believe will be the most important piece of pre-season business for Dobson and company - getting an experienced inside centre.
With Damian de Allende off to Japan, it is believed that Huw Jones wants to come back to Cape Town - even if it’s just for a short while.
Reports over the weekend suggested that he doesn’t see eye-to-eye with current Glasgow Warriors boss Dave Rennie, and would like to leave the club.
Most recently, Rennie has suggested that he would like to use Jones, who was a surprise omission in Scotland’s World Cup squad, at fullback.
But we know him here in the Cape - it is here where he honed his rugby skills to become one of the most feared inside centres in world rugby not too long ago.
Bringing in Jones will be a stroke of genius by the WP hierarchy and I believe if they want to seriously challenge for the title, they have to dig deep in their pockets to make this deal a reality.
SO CLOSE: Stormers have dominated at conference stage. Picture: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix.
Daar moet mos nou so paar los sente wees, of hoe?
With Ruhan Nel on his outside and the likes of Dillyn Leyds, Seabelo Senatla, Leolin Zas and Sergeal Petersen in the back three, the Stormers can field a decent starting XV that can go all the way.
Bring in some youngsters, which we have, to complete the puzzle and the Boks’ World Cup success might just turn out to be a bigger blessing for Cape rugby than we thought.
So get Jones and start moulding a champion side, Mr Dobson.
Newlands deserves at least one Super trophy.