The Stormers comfortably have the stingiest defence after four rounds in this year’s Super 14, but realise that it will be tested to the limit against the Hurricanes at Newlands on Saturday.

Allister Coetzee’s team has thus far conceded only 38 points – 46 less than the second best defensive unit, the Crusaders (84).

The Hurricanes have also defended well and have conceded only 88 points.

While the Hurricanes lost unexpectedly by 12-28 against the Cheetahs, Coetzee expects the return of key players to make them very tough opponents this weekend.

Among them are All Black centre Conrad Smith and speedy wing Tamati Ellison. On top of that Willie Ripia is expected to start at flyhalf after youngster Aaron Cruden played against the Cheetahs.

“They are coming with a heck of a team this week,” said Coetzee.

“Ma’a Nonu and Smith have good feet and will have a go at the defence. However, we have played against good opponents before and our defence was outstanding. We have to keep that up,” said Coetzee.

“Our excellent defensive structures should motivate us to express ourselves more on attack.”

The Stormers certainly have the players to do that, but the strengths that they displayed against the Highlanders this past weekend may well be a good recipe to frustrate the Hurricanes.

Apart from the fact that the Highlanders could not score a try, the Stormers disrupted the Kiwis’ lineouts very well and competed well at the breakdown.

They are also adapting well to the stricter application of the laws and are conceding less penalties.

“I’m very happy with our lineout play. We only lost one ball over the weekend. Apart from the fact that we are using it as a launching pad for attacks, we are also turning over opponents’ balls. However, I’m not underestimating the Hurricanes in any area,” said Coetzee.

Apart from the Hurricanes being superb attackers, they are also very physical. It will therefore be interesting to see if hooker Tiaan Liebenberg and lock De Kock Steenkamp return to the Stormers’ starting line-up this week.

Liebenberg missed the game against the Highlanders because of flu and is still being treated. Anton van Zyl started ahead of Steenkamp to strengthen the Stormers’ hand at the lineouts, but the Stormers were still very physical.

“We’ll see how Tiaan responds to treatment. It looks promising,” said Coetzee.

As far as his team’s adapting to the stricter application of the laws is concerned, Coetzee was delighted about their good discipline this past weekend.

“Francois Louw adapted well with his accuracy and decision-making. He stole three balls,” said Coetzee.

“We conceded eight penalties and as far as discipline is concerned, that is good. The fact that we could steal balls at the breakdown shows that we are making the right decisions there.”

Coetzee emphasised the importance of mental discipline and for the team not to lose their edge in the manner that they did against the Brumbies.

“The Hurricanes still have to play us and the Bulls on tour and will come with a strong focus,” he warned.

“We have to match that and play with the same intensity as we did on Saturday.”