The Stormers will be targeting a bonus-point win at Cardiff Arms Park.
The Stormers face Cardiff in a pivotal Vodacom URC round 18 clash on Friday night.
With top spot on the log no longer in there hands after last week’s 38-38 draw at Ulster, the visitors will be prioritising a win, ideally with a bonus point.
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Form and context
Cardiff’s recent form has been mixed: they suffered a 40-17 defeat to Glasgow last week and sit precariously in seventh on the URC table. The Blue and Blacks remain close to the playoff pack and will be keen to respond on home turf. The Stormers’ form has also been uneven. Their late penalty-try rescue at Ulster pulled them back to a 38-38 draw, but that result cost them top spot on the log, leaving them trailing the Glasgow Warriors by a single point. That makes Friday’s result particularly important for John Dobson’s side.
Key players and absences
Cardiff will lean on the power and carrying ability of back-rowers such as Taine Basham, while the Stormers have attacking threats who will look to exploit any space afforded to them. Deon Fourie is out injured, a setback for the Stormers’ options at loose forward.
Tactical outlook
Cardiff will need strong go-forward from their forwards to blunt the Stormers’ attack. The visitors have shown they can manufacture scoring opportunities but have also left themselves exposed late in matches a theme from their draw at Ulster. Set-piece and driving-maul scenarios could be decisive, particularly given Cardiff’s recent struggles against Glasgow’s maul.
Verdict
On balance, the Stormers should have enough to claim victory in Cardiff if they tighten up in key defensive moments and secure the platform up front.
Money Man Prediction: Stormers to edge it.
The post Money Man: Stormers to edge Cardiff appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Stormers will be targeting a bonus-point win at Cardiff Arms Park.
The post Money Man: Stormers to edge Cardiff appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
