Stormers captain Schalk Burger won't be making any dramatic changes to his robust style of play in the absence of Francois Louw or another specialist fetcher this season.

While the 28-year-old has been in possession of the No.6 jersey for several years, his role in the side had evolved with the emergence of Louw as his partner in crime, stealing the ball on the ground and causing headaches for their opposition.

Without Louw the Stormers back row might have to change their dynamic this season, with Nick Koster and Siya Kolisi the leading candidates to join Duane Vermeulen and Burger in the loose trio.

"Flo is a fantastic player and by not having him we lose out on his experience, but Siya is an exciting prospect in his place and Nick has done it all before," Burger told this website.

"I think not having Flo will change things a bit, but I've had a good chat to the boys and we'll have a look on the weekend to see if it works or not."

When asked if his style of play would change this season Burger responded: "No, not really - at Western Province I've had a particular way of playing and I'll stick to that."

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee has called for all players to assist in creating turnovers, and doesn't believe the responsibility should fall solely on the flanks' shoulders.

"I expect most of the players to have a go on the ground - you can't wait for a fetcher to run from one end of the field to another breakdown where you are," Coetzee said.

"It is immaterial whether it's Siya or Schalk, all the players have a responsibility to contest the ball on the floor."

Burger is eager to get back out on the park for some match practice against the Lions instead of spending his time either in the gym or the training paddock.

"There is no fitness like match fitness, luckily this week seems to be a bit cooler after the boys took some strain out in Wellington last weekend," he said.

"As always at this stage of the season we are a bit rusty and there are a few uncharacteristic mistakes here and there, because we've been playing shadow rugby for so long so this will be our first full contact.

"We want to get our general attack sorted out and try to carry the ball through as many phases as possible, and I expect both sides to have a similar approach on the weekend."

By Timmy Hancox