In an intriguing pre-match revelation, Stormers coach John Dobson disclosed his strategic assembly of a squad designed to dismantle what is currently the toughest defence in the Vodacom URC. This Saturday's clash at Cape Town Stadium against the gritty Irish team Connacht is expected to be a formidable challenge, one that Dobson and his team are preparing for with tactical precision.
Dobson expressed his respect for Connacht, acknowledging their less flashy reputation but emphasizing their competence on the field: "They may not have the brand of [Irish giants] Leinster or Munster, but they are a seriously good rugby side. They’ve got a very good attack and they never go away." Reflecting on last season's nail-biter where Stormers' Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu scored a rapid hat-trick only for Connacht to stage a strong comeback, Dobson noted, "That game went down to the last minute. We don’t want to be in that position again. They’re a proper rugby team and every time we play them, it’s a proper contest."
"They've got the No 1 defence in the URC,"
declared Stormers captain Ruhan Nel, acknowledging the robustness of Connacht's defensive line. Dobson concurred, pointing out that Connacht’s defensive prowess was a significant factor in their team selection, opting for players who could potentially crack the tough defensive shell of Connacht. Key strategic placements include Feinberg-Mngomezulu at flyhalf, with Damian Willemse on the right wing and Warrick Gelant at fullback, forming a trio intended to challenge Connacht's formidable defense.
Dobson further elaborated on the tactical challenges posed by Connacht's defense, "The way they work on defence, the way they get the spacing in their organisation, it’s not a defence where you can just hit one breakdown, get quick ball, get it out wide and get around. You’re going to have to find ways through them, or over them, and so that was a big influence on selection." He also mentioned that the expected grim weather played a role in the final team selection.
Last week saw Connacht stumble with a 45-22 defeat against Montpellier in the EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-finals, but their prior performances include a five-game winning streak in the URC, underscoring their capacity to bounce back fiercely. As the Stormers aim for victory, they not only seek to solidify their top spot ambitions but also to set a new crowd record, turning up the heat for what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
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In an intriguing pre-match revelation, Stormers coach John Dobson disclosed his strategic assembly of a squad designed to dismantle what is currently the toughest defence in the Vodacom URC. This Saturday's clash at Cape Town Stadium against the gritty Irish team Connacht is expected to be a formidable challenge, one that Dobson and his team are preparing for with tactical precision.
Dobson expressed his respect for Connacht, acknowledging their less flashy reputation but emphasizing their competence on the field: "They may not have the brand of [Irish giants] Leinster or Munster, but they are a seriously good rugby side. They’ve got a very good attack and they never go away." Reflecting on last season's nail-biter where Stormers' Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu scored a rapid hat-trick only for Connacht to stage a strong comeback, Dobson noted, "That game went down to the last minute. We don’t want to be in that position again. They’re a proper rugby team and every time we play them, it’s a proper contest."
"They've got the No 1 defence in the URC,"
declared Stormers captain Ruhan Nel, acknowledging the robustness of Connacht's defensive line. Dobson concurred, pointing out that Connacht’s defensive prowess was a significant factor in their team selection, opting for players who could potentially crack the tough defensive shell of Connacht. Key strategic placements include Feinberg-Mngomezulu at flyhalf, with Damian Willemse on the right wing and Warrick Gelant at fullback, forming a trio intended to challenge Connacht's formidable defense.Dobson further elaborated on the tactical challenges posed by Connacht's defense, "The way they work on defence, the way they get the spacing in their organisation, it’s not a defence where you can just hit one breakdown, get quick ball, get it out wide and get around. You’re going to have to find ways through them, or over them, and so that was a big influence on selection." He also mentioned that the expected grim weather played a role in the final team selection.
Last week saw Connacht stumble with a 45-22 defeat against Montpellier in the EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-finals, but their prior performances include a five-game winning streak in the URC, underscoring their capacity to bounce back fiercely. As the Stormers aim for victory, they not only seek to solidify their top spot ambitions but also to set a new crowd record, turning up the heat for what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Stormers Team: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (flyhalf), Damian Willemse (right wing), Warrick Gelant (fullback).