Bryan's return will add steel to Stormers

The return of Bryan Habana to the Stormers starting lineup for tomorrow's Super15 clash with the Hurricanes in Palmerston North will give the tourists added steel against unpredictable opponents.

Habana is one of only two changes to the starting team that beat the Sharks 22-15 two weeks ago. The other is prop Pat Cilliers, coming in at tighthead for Frans Malherbe, who has a collarbone problem.

Though Habana is known as an attacking force, it's his defensive capabilities and ability to read the game that the Stormers need for this match.

Backline coach Robbie Fleck has made no secret of the fact that the Stormers are going to play minimum-risk rugby against a side that thrives on turnovers and mistakes.

Though Stormers coach Allister Coetzee has insisted repeatedly that strengthening the team's attack has been a priority this season, for this particular match defence as well as structure will be the buzz words.

As in the past few years, the Stormers will attack from the set piece and will use their aggressive defence to force turnovers and penalties.

Habana's inclusion is timely in that regard. Despite all his wonderful attacking gifts, it's his ability on defence that is vital.

He knows when to shoot out of the line to snuff out a threat, he reads kicks well and offers the fullback valuable support, and he is highly physical in the tackle.

"It's always great to get back a player of Bryan's quality - it will help a lot with the decision-making on the field as well," captain Jean de Villiers said.

Gary van Aswegen staying at flyhalf, while Elton Jantjies recovers from injury, is another indication that the Stormers will revert to what's worked for them for the past three seasons.

Van Aswegen, despite his diminutive frame, is a tough defender and will play the Peter Grant-like role in the setup. But he also possesses the tools to unlock defences - just don't expect him to chance his arm as often as Jantjies does.

The pack has a settled and dominant feel, with Cilliers hardly weakening the team.

Both locks - Andries Bekker and De Kock Steenkamp - have been superb this year and flank Michael Rhodes is given another chance to impress after an excellent display against the Sharks.

Hooker Scarra Ntubeni returns to the bench from a long knee-injury layoff and might make his first appearance of the season. Flank Rynhardt Elstadt is also back in the mix, among the reserves.

The Stormers have won only three of seven matches this season and they need a strong tour to keep their play-off hopes on track.