Assistant coach Dawie Snyman says Connacht’s identity under Stuart Lancaster makes them a dangerous URC season-opening challenge for the Stormers on Friday.
Snyman spoke from Galway ahead of the round-one clash at The Sportsground, where the Cape visitors are keen to avenge last season’s home defeat to the Irish province.
He also gave an update on Springbok utility forward Ben-Jason Dixon, who remains with the squad managing concussion symptoms, with the rest of the group otherwise fit.
“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.
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“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.”
Snyman emphasised getting the backline mix right without Damian Willemse, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cobus Reinach and the injured Cheslin Kolbe, with Wandisile Simelane, Jonathan Roche and Markus Muller in contention for a midfield spot alongside captain Ruhan Nel.
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“It’s a few combinations we probably have to test, and it also depends on what we’re up against,” he added. “We know Connacht attack really well and can keep the ball for long phases and put you under pressure.
“We need the right experience and the right guys in the midfield to make good decisions in those positions.”
Snyman said the early departure for Ireland was a one-off as the Stormers usually recover and prepare at home after a Saturday game before flying over, though the extra time had helped their preparation.
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Asked about takeaways from the pre-season hitout against the Bulls, Snyman said encouraging signs had emerged from the areas the Stormers worked on, though a few players missing from that game reflected squad depth being tested in certain positions.
“In other positions, at this stage, without the Springboks and with a few injuries, we’re a little bit skinny,” he said. “
“We just had to make sure we got the best possible team on the field, while backing our training methods and the way we prepare amongst ourselves.”
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
The post Stormers clued up on Connacht threat appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Assistant coach Dawie Snyman says Connacht’s identity under Stuart Lancaster makes them a dangerous URC season-opening challenge for the Stormers on Friday.
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