“Connacht’s a team in their second year with Stuart Lancaster. He’s got a certain way of playing, and Connacht have always had an identity around them and the way they want to play. They like ball in hand,” Snyman said.
“They’re a dangerous team … defensively they were one of the top defensive teams in the URC in terms of the amount of tackles they made.”
“They’re disciplined, a tough team to break down. They’re an all-round team that’s going to challenge us everywhere, and they’ve added one or two new signings as well,” he continued. The Stormers are missing key players such as Damian Willemse, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cobus Reinach, and the injured Cheslin Kolbe. Contenders for the midfield include Wandisile Simelane, Jonathan Roche, and Markus Muller alongside captain Ruhan Nel.
Snyman highlighted the importance of fielding the right mix in the backline to counter Connacht’s robust attack, noting that long phases of possession by Connacht could put pressure on their defense. “We need the right experience and the right guys in the midfield to make good decisions in those positions,” he remarked.
The Stormers had an early departure to Ireland, a break from their usual routine of recovering and preparing at home post-Saturday games. According to Snyman, this adjustment has given them extra time to prepare well for the upcoming challenge.
Drawing on the pre-season bout against the Bulls, Snyman felt positive about the team's progress, though the absence of several players during that game highlighted areas where depth could be an issue. “In other positions, at this stage, without the Springboks and with a few injuries, we’re a little bit skinny,” he observed.
The emphasis, Snyman noted, was on fielding the best possible lineup while trusting their training methods and internal preparations. This strategic approach is crucial as the Stormers aim for redemption against Connacht and a strong start to their season.
