Time to talk about the men in the middle. Although there is heaps of talent, and plenty of experience, they seem to be very thin on the ground, especially if Fourie does decide to migrate to the side of the scrum… or perhaps even further!

Please refer to the previous Stormers article on the props if you haven’t seen it yet, for the first instalment about the boys in blue and white. Otherwise, enjoy, and go mad with the comments!

The Contenders:

Deon Andre Fourie

HEIGHT 177 cm

WEIGHT 100 Kg

BIRTH DATE 25 September 1986 – Age 25

DHL Stormers Vodacom Super Rugby – 2008

Hooker

Deon Fourie, who has explosive pace, made his Super rugby debut in 2008. Apart from a few injury problems, Deon has had a phenomenal season, culminating in Captaining the WP side to victory in the Curry Cup final against the Sharks… at flank!

Having done an about turn with regards to his move to Toulon, Fourie has also indicated his future is not only in the shade of Table Mountain, but also at hooker. Whether this is so, much depends on the fitness of the likes of Siya and Schalla, as well as Scarra’s role in the starting line-up.

Like Scarra, he certainly does provide that 3rd loosie role, and his defence and leadership over the season has been exemplary.

Christiaan Rudolph (Tiaan) Liebenberg

HEIGHT 185 cm

WEIGHT 111 Kg

BIRTH DATE 18 December 1981 – Age 31

Super Rugby Debut – Cheetahs – 2006

DHL Stormers Vodacom Super Rugby – 2007

Hooker

A season of highs and injuries are the best way to sum up Tiaan’s season. Having played for the Boks against Argentina and New Zealand after Bismarck du Plessis was injured, only to have his season cut short with injury of his own. A solid season, sharing the hooking berth with Skarra, Liebenberg is a man that would follow you through hell. A real team man, he is one that will never let the side down. Very good in the tight, good ball skills, solid in defence, perhaps the only chink in his armour, a few wayward throws.

Siyabonga (Skarra) Ntubeni

HEIGHT 177 cm

WEIGHT 92 Kg

BIRTH DATE 18 February 1991 – Age 22

Super Rugby Debut – Stormers – 2011

Hooker

The find of the season, along with Siya, in my book. Skarra was immense from the minute he first ran on for Western Province this season. He will definitely see more action for the Stormers this season, and will, no doubt go on to higher honour in the not too distant future.

Like Fourie, not only is he a very sound hooker, but also acts like that 3rd loose forward for the team. Fast, and with ball skills to match, Ntubeni is equally at home amongst the back as he is in the pack.

Go you good thing.