As we entered the first week of Super Rugby action over the weekend, there were a number of questions that needed to be answered.
On paper, the Stormers looked like the best South African side.
But die grapgatte will tell you that they play on grass and that a good team sheet counts for nothing.
So what did we learn from coach John Dobson’s men? Here I’ve answered some possible questions you may have had.
1. How do we measure up against the Kiwi sides?
The Hurricanes were always going to give the Stormers faithful a good indication of where their team is.
And after caning the men from Wellington, NZ, Cape fans have every reason to be confident in the Stormers’ ability.
However, they have always been good at home.
Yes, the Stormers can run with the big boys this year.
The real test, however, will come away from home.
Let’s hope that by he time they travel to Australasia, their confidence will be so high that the travel factor won’t be an issue.
2. How well did Jamie Roberts fit in?
A passenger on the field in the first half, Roberts took his time to scout his new teammates. What he saw would have pleased the Lion. When he takes the field again, it’s his time to impress.
MASSIVE INJURY: Skipper Siya Kolisi. Picture: RYAN WILKISKY/BACKPAGEPIX
3. Is Damian Willemse ready to step up in No.10 jumper?
Coach John Dobson said last week that Willemse has a “license to thrill”.
He took advantage of that licensed and tried to step his way through the Hurricanes on a number of occasions.
It’s his game-management that must improve, though.
To be the complete flyhalf, Willemse also has to take his shots at goal. He missed his first two * the match - the second one being right in front of the sticks.
Damian Willemse. Picture: RYAN WILKISKY/BACKPAGEPIX
In the first half, he smashed an aimless kick into the hands of Canes fullback Jordie Barrett.
His positional play was good and he varied his distribution well. But it’s still too early to say that Willemse has arrived
4. Does Siya Kolisi have a future at No.8
Unfortunately the captain left the field with a knee injury in the first half. The question now is if the Stormers can cope without their talismanic captain. A big blow to the team, but in Pieter-Steph du Toit they have someone that has already led the Springboks.
Coach Dobson, though, is more likely to turn to prop Steven Kitshoff, who has led the guys in the hooped jersey before.
5. Life after Eben Etzebeth?
Firstly, I like Salmaan Moerat’s shorter haircut. It makes him look meaner. And mean he was.
His best moment came in the 16th minute when, after making a tackle, he got up in a flash to contest a breakdown and win the Stormers a penalty.
He made tackle after tackle and also contested well on the Canes lineout.
Eben Etzebeth African News Agency/ANA
While he didn’t make as many carries as Etzebeth may have made, he certainly showed enough to suggest that the Stormers won’t miss Etzebeth that much this year.
If Moerat can build on this performance, he can make the No.4 jersey his own this year.
6. Pre-match handshake
Not a fan. Driven by South Africa Davis Cup captain John-Laffnie de Jager, I can understand why you’d shake hands with your opponent before a tennis match. But rugby? No. Leave that for when you have to smile at the final whistle. Until then, it’s about dominating your opponent physically. Unless, of course, you’re one of those Braun Strowman-type guys with a really strong handshake.
7. How far can the Stormers go?
Tough to judge after one match, but keeping the Hurricanes scoreless was pretty important. The Capetonians can go far this year.
But they need their big stars to stay injury free.
On top of Kolisi leaving the field, Bongi Mbonambi also looked uncomfortable after he was substituted by Scarra Ntubeni.
Coach Dobson would also have had his heart in his throat when his flyhalf Willemse clutched his shoulder at one stage.
The Stormers have a good enough match 23 to compete with the best in the tournament, the question is do they have enough depth in case their top guns get injured?