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Collins` taste on Burger

Wednesday 16th April 2008

Friendly rivals: Jerry Collins and Schalk Burger

Apart from being crucial in deciding who will make the Super 14 semi-finals, Saturday's clash between the Stormers and Hurricanes at Newlands will see a colossal battle between two outstanding loose forward trios led respectively by Schalk Burger and Jerry Collins.

Two of the form teams in competition at the moment, both head into the match coming off the back of impressive victories.

The Hurricanes are sitting pretty in third on the Super 14 table after crushing the Bulls in Pretoria last weekend and the Stormers are only three points off the top four thanks to a strong tour of Australasia and a convincing home win against the Cheetahs.

All Blacks flanker Collins has made no secret of his admiration for his Springbok opposite number, Burger, saying that the blond number six is "no longer just a fetcher" but is evolving into a more complete playing under the guidance of Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus.

Burger's partnership with Luke Watson has paid dividends this season and they will need to be on top form as they face a quality Hurricanes back row of Collins, Chris Masoe and Rodney So'oialo.

"Schalk and Luke Watson seem to be going really well together," Collins told the Cape Times.

"Under the guidance of Rassie, Schalk has started stepping and made better use of the ball."

"He has been more of a ball player than what he was in the past."

Burger has become famous for his intensity by putting his body on the line at the breakdown and in tackles. Collins believes the new aspects of Burger's play should help to improve his longevity.

"The coach is pretty smart and to make your career last longer, you add the step to make sure that you do play for longer," said Collins.

"Schalk has been doing that pretty well this year and is no longer just a fetcher. He has more skills now."

"It also depends on what kind of regime you play under. The Stormers play a similar style to us. They throw the ball around and their forwards all handle the ball pretty well."

Collins said he was glad to be away from the intimidating environment of Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria and is looking forward to playing in the shadow of Table Mountain in Cape Town.

"Newlands is one of the nicer places to come and play at. The people are much friendlier than up in Pretoria," he explained

"The support for the All Blacks and the New Zealand teams is pretty big down here. It's kind of like a home away from home."

The Hurricanes will return the much dryer Highveld to face the Cheetahs in Kimberly a week later and will be hoping to make the trip with four or five extra Super 14 points in the bag.