Attack coach Dawie Snyman says the Stormers will be banking on experience and cool heads in the cauldron that is Loftus Versfeld.
The Cape side welcomes back seasoned campaigners Neethling Fouché, Deon Fourie, Damian Willemse and Ruhan Nel for Saturday’s Vodacom URC showdown with the Bulls, with Nel taking over the captaincy.
TEAM: Returning quartet boost Stormers
“I think it’s massive,” Snyman said of their return. “Those guys are natural leaders. They don’t only lead by talking to the players, they lead by example.
“You could already feel their presence in the squad this week. They’ve played a lot of these types of games, so it’s great to have them available.”
AFRICA PICKS: Bulls vs Stormers URC betting preview
Snyman said the decision to throw Fourie into the starting mix in his first match back since tearing a bicep in early October was driven by what the 39-year-old offers.
“Just the experience he brings in a game like this is huge,” he said. “Him standing in the change room with the No 6 jersey is massive for the group.
“He’s a natural leader and someone who leads from the front.”
The Stormers are not expecting Fourie to play the full 80 minutes but believe his influence early on could be crucial.
“We want him to start hard and lead in those opening exchanges, when it’s going to be a bit hard and heavy, and let’s see how far he can push himself,” said Snyman, before pointing out that Paul de Villiers is on the bench, ready to replace Fourie.
The Stormers will be further boosted by having Willemse and Nel outside flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu in the high-pressure encounter.
“Damian is a phenomenal rugby player and a great thinker of the game,” Snyman said.
“Ruhan brings a lot of confidence and experience. It’s not just with ball in hand, but also his organisation without the ball, especially on defence.
TEAM: Bulls unleash heavy hitters for derby
The Stormers are bracing for a major test against a Bulls side that has racked up big wins over the Lions and Sharks in recent weeks to move up to eighth on the URC log. The Stormers, meanwhile, have dropped from first to fifth after three consecutive losses.
“The Bulls are a well-balanced side,” said Snyman. “They’ve got a strong set-piece, a very good kicking game and plenty of X factor across the park.
“A north-south derby always has an edge to it. Whatever both teams have done before this won’t count for much – it will come down to what happens on the day.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post Dawie backs Stormers experience appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Attack coach Dawie Snyman says the Stormers will be banking on experience and cool heads in the cauldron that is Loftus Versfeld.
The post Dawie backs Stormers experience appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
