The Cape franchise is under pressure to perform after a disappointing 2018 season, writes JON CARDINELLI.

The Stormers won 14 out of 16 games in 2012 and topped the overall log. Since then, they have struggled to compete against the better sides from New Zealand and South Africa. If not for the changes to the tournament structure in 2016, they may not have qualified for the playoffs in that season or in 2017.

Coach Robbie Fleck’s team lost eight consecutive away matches in 2018. They finished 11th on the overall log and fourth in the five-team South African conference. Western Province’s Currie Cup campaign ended in disappointment when they lost to the Sharks in the decider at Newlands.

No big signings have been made in the lead-up to the 2019 season – WP’s dire financial situation has evidently limited the Stormers’ ability to recruit. There is no good reason to believe they will make the necessary changes to their approach.

The Stormers won’t get the chance to atone for their shock defeat to the Sunwolves in Asia last year, as this season’s fixture between the sides will be played at Newlands. They will have an opportunity to pick up two or three valuable wins on their Australasian tour, though. The Hurricanes will be tough to beat at home, but one would expect the Stormers to go into the tour matches against the Blues, Reds and Rebels – three teams they beat last season – with a better chance of victory. At the very least, the Stormers should be aiming for more than two wins against local opposition (their record against fellow South African teams in 2018).

The Stormers fell well short of playoff qualification last season. It would be a surprise to see them progressing to the quarter-finals this year.

FORWARD TO WATCH

Pieter-Steph du Toit made a big impact at the set pieces and the breakdowns for the Springboks in 2018, whether he wore No 4, 5 or 7 on his back. Last year, plans to start Du Toit at blindside flank for the duration of the Super Rugby season were scuppered after locks Eben Etzebeth and JD Schickerling were ruled out with serious injuries. Now that both are fit, Du Toit may well get the opportunity to be the first-choice No 7 at his franchise. Coach Robbie Fleck will, however, have to manage Du Toit carefully to ensure the player is not physically spent by the time he travels to the World Cup in September. Du Toit was played into the ground by the Stormers last season, and went on to feature in every Test for the Boks.

BACK TO WATCH

Damian Willemse troubled the better defensive sides with his speed, stepping ability and distribution last season. On the back of some strong performances for a struggling Stormers side, the 20-year-old received a call-up to join the Boks. Coach Rassie Erasmus compared Willemse to 2007 World Cup winner Frans Steyn, another gifted player who was backed to play for the Boks at a young age. Bok and Stormers captain Siya Kolisi confirmed that Willemse’s mental strength would stand him in good stead at the highest level. The youngster was used at flyhalf and fullback over the course of the Test season – making his first start at No 15 against England at Twickenham. Erasmus has made it clear that he wants Willemse to receive more game time at fullback for the Stormers before the Boks travel to the World Cup. With more time and space to work his magic, Willemse should lend the Stormers plenty of impetus from the back.

BIG SIGNING

Sevens star Ruhan Nel impressed for Western Province in the Currie Cup and looks set to make his Super Rugby debut this season.

BIG LOSS

The Stormers have the depth to cope with the losses of Springboks such as wing Raymond Rhule (Grenoble) and loose forward Nizaam Carr (Wasps), but may miss the experience of scrumhalf Dewaldt Duvenhage, who has moved to Benetton Treviso.

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PREVIOUS LOG FINISHES

1996: 11th
1997: DNQ
1998: 9th
1999: 2nd (semi-finalists)
2000: 5th
2001: 7th
2002: 7th
2003: 9th
2004: 3rd (semi-finalists)
2005: 9th
2006: 11th
2007: 10th
2008: 5th
2009: 10th
2010: 2nd (finalists)
2011: 2nd (semi-finalists)
2012: 1st (semi-finalists)
2013: 7th
2014: 11th
2015: 3rd (qualifier playoff)
2016: 3rd (quarter-finalists)
2017: 3rd (quarter-finalists)
2018: 11th

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2019 FIXTURES

16 February: Bulls (a)
23 February: Lions (h)
2 March: Sharks (a)
8-9 March: BYE
15 March: Jaguares (h)
23 March: Hurricanes (a)
30 March: Blues (a)
5 April: Reds (a)
12 April: Rebels (a)
20 April: Brumbies (h)
27 April: Bulls (h)
4 May: Jaguares (a)
10-11 May: BYE
18 May: Crusaders (h)
25 May: Highlanders (h)
1 June: Lions (a)
8 June: Sunwolves (h)
15 June: Sharks (h)