Barry ready to rumble for Vodacom Stormers

He will thus be leading the Stormers in their Vodacom Super 14 pipe-opener, against the Cats in Johannesburg on Saturday.

The centre, who was named captain for the Super 14 season, underwent surgery to his knee two weeks ago and missed the two warm-up games.

On Tuesday, however, he came through a rigorous fitness test with flying colours – much to the elation of coach Kobus van der Merwe.

“He is ready. I am bloody happy,” enthused Van der Merwe, who added that Jean de Villiers would be playing inside centre and Barry outside.

The coach said he has full confidence in Barry, who hasn’t played much rugby at outside centre and made his name as an inside centre.

“De Wet is always in top shape and his fitness is not a problem. He is one of the best-conditioned guys and he is extremely dedicated.

“I am happy that he won’t have a problem adapting to outside centre. We had an excellent training session this afternoon and I am happy.

“We just heard that it is raining in Johanesburg, but we will take things in our stride.”

Van der Merwe will be announcing his side for their first Vodacom Super 14 match of the season on Wednesday.