Highlanders v DHL Stormers Preview

On Saturday morning a mouth-watering top of the table clash awaits when the DHL Stormers become the first South African side to play at the new Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, against the Highlanders.

These two sides currently lead the South African and New Zealand Conferences and both have built their supremacy on forward dominance, coupled with solid defence. The DHL Stormers have only conceded seven tries thus far this season and the Highlanders eight. Only the Vodacom Bulls and Chiefs, with six each, boast a better defensive record in 2012.

The Highlanders, however, have outscored the DHL Stormers by more than two tries to one this year – 17 compared to 8. And even though the team from Cape Town have only won one and drawn one of their six away matches against the Highlanders, they have arrived on New Zealand’s South Island in a confident mood.

“We are based in a beautiful part of the world which really assists recovery and our ability to prepare mentally and physically,” said DHL Stormers coach Allister Coetzee.

Otago is notorious for “less than perfect” weather, but seeing that the game will be played in a stadium that is completely enclosed, conditions should be perfect. “It is going to be tough and the conditions should make it a great game.” concluded Coetzee.

The DHL Stormers’ only victory in New Zealand against the Highlanders came three years ago, in 2009, when they won 18-11 at Carisbrook in Dunedin.

The Highlanders generally enjoy hosting South African sides – they’ve won 25 out of 34 home games against teams from the Republic (73.5%). Against Australian sides, the team from Otago have only won 58.6% of their home games (17 from 29).

Head to head (since 1998)