As the Vodacom URC draws to a close, the Stormers have seemingly resigned themselves to a runner-up finish, with their eyes not set on the top spot, currently held by Glasgow Warriors. Coach John Dobson has acknowledged that the likelihood of Glasgow stumbling in their final fixture is slim, given Ulster's focus on the upcoming EPCR Challenge Cup final against Montpellier.
Dobson shared his perspective on the situation, noting, "I think last week we lost our chance to finish top. Ulster identified our game as the one to target because they wanted to rest players for the Challenge Cup final. I’d imagine they’ll put a lot of academy guys into the team this week. It would be a pleasant surprise [if Ulster win], but we won’t be watching. Our thing is just to get the win." Meanwhile, the Stormers are preparing for a crucial match against Cardiff, who have proved formidable at the Arms Park, losing only once this season in eight matches.
"They’ve got a really well-organized defense and a very good kicking game,"
Dobson remarked, recalling past challenges at the venue. "What cost us here two years ago was the contestable kicking battle. They know how to play at the Arms Park. We’ll have to be much better in the air contesting."In the face of recent on-field struggles, stand-in captain Neethling Fouché expressed the team's determination to dominate in scrum and maul engagements. Fouché stated, "I think we had a couple of frustrated forwards after last week. It’s probably the first time it’s happened to us that we haven’t had dominance on our own scrum ball. We’ve worked on it this week and put the necessary things in place around our mauls and different challenges that might come."
"Normally we’re getting three or four scrum penalties a game and one or two more penalties out wide [with our maul],"
Dobson added, emphasizing the importance of set-pieces in their game plan. "That’s massive points, territory, and field position that probably weren’t there last week. Set-piece is an area where we really want to engage and make it part of our game model."As both teams gear up for their clash, the Stormers are not just fighting for a win but for a chance to host a home semi-final, hoping to capitalize on any slip-up by Glasgow, however unlikely that may seem.