Stormers in economy seats on 'tour from hell'
The Stormers face the Super 14 "tour from hell" next year. And, for good measure, half the squad have been booked on economy class in the same flight to New Zealand as the opposition that they would be facing that week.
Southern Spears chief executive Tony McKeever yesterday issued the media with a "draw analysis", and WP Rugby boss Rob Wagner confirmed that the Stormers would be in for a five-match tour that will include games against all four this year's semifinalists - the Hurricanes, Brumbies, Waratahs and Crusaders.
They kick off their tour against the Highlanders and, thanks to Sanzar rocket scientists planning the travel schedules, will have the opportunity to get better acquainted with the Kiwis on the same flight.
The Highlanders will be on their way back from a comfortable three-week tour of Australia and South Africa.
"Half our players have been booked on business class and the other on economy class to Dunedin.
"They want us to travel to New Zealand on the same flight. It's crazy. We've objected to it," said Wagner.
"It's going to be the tour from hell. The team will have to cross the Tasman Sea twice. When objections are raised it's swept off the table because two countries out-vote one.
"The Super 14 is not a fair competition. I've looked at all their (Australia and New Zealand's) top teams and they will be touring for a maximum of three weeks. We'll be away for six weeks."
Wagner added that it was the length of the tour and the fact that the team would have to cross time zones on a few occasions that concerned him.
South African teams are also treated poorly by their hosts overseas.
"You never know what the training facilities will be like.
"When you pitch for the captain's run at the stadium before playing the Crusaders there are cricket nets on the field and in Canberra you are told that (you can't train there) because it's a Municipal Ground," said Wagner.
"When they come here they live a life of luxury and their only complaint is Suzie!"