The Super Rugby Season is about to kick off in February, and we followed the players as they prepare for the gruelling 6 month season. The top regional rugby teams in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa are about to go head to head across three continents, and Stormers-MAG are proud to bring you up close and personal with the training, players and results. In this edition we follow the Stormers in their pre-season conditioning. We reveal Juan de Jongh, Joe Pieterson and Steve Kitshoff in a personal light, and interview them and their take on the upcoming season.

In our monthly Science of Sport profile, improve your skill and enjoy our interactive layout, and follow the fans and the favourites that make the Stormers the special team that it is. Stormers-MAG is proudly brought to you by FMG, and we hope you enjoy it!

Super Rugby is one month away and the team is undergoing serious training. "The super 15 is definitely and without a doubt one of the toughest competitions in world rugby, not just in the southern hemisphere" says Coetzee. When asked about some of the challenges of the Super 15, he says that the duration is certainly one of them. Running from February until August, it's played over a long period.

Why else is it tough, we asked? "Well, there's no weak team in super rugby" he says. There's also a traveling element, so players are away from home for four weeks at a time. This is a challenge for any team training and playing in close proximity. The team also faces different conditions, playing in the winter of New Zealand which is not easy. But every team has to go through it, and thats what makes the experience so unique.

The team is in the technical phase now and working hard. "There are a lot of average - or above average - things that players must be good at, but there must also be a special trait, a star quality" says Coetzee. For instance, de Jongh can play positions 12 or 13, under- standing both roles well. "He's explosive", says Coetzee. "He's maturing both as a player and a person". Young Steve Kitshoff too, is not a bit of a powerhouse, he IS a powerhouse, with un-believable talent.

"Ultimately", says Coetzee, "We want to win a competition. We've come so close in the finals of 2010 and the semis of 2011, so thats what we're working for". We have sure faith in the team's ability, and will continue to follow them through their training and games.