The Stormers showed in Galway that they have the squad depth to challenge for the URC title, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for the Sunday Times, Keohane believes the Cape club’s 29-15 bonus-point victory over Connacht offered compelling evidence of their potential.
“This Stormers team played without all three scrumhalves from last season, including Springbok No 9 Cobus Reinach,” he writes. “They were without world-class backs Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Damian Willemse and Cheslin Kolbe and without Springbok forwards Wilco Louw, Ntuthuko Mchunu, JJ Kotze, Deon Fourie, BJ Dixon, Evan Roos and Siya Kolisi.
“Adding that group of players emphasises the potential and potency of the Stormers.”
Keohane says the Stormers made life unnecessarily difficult for themselves with poor decision-making late in the first half, allowing Connacht back into a contest the visitors had controlled. Greater patience after the break eventually told, with two late tries securing a bonus point and a double-digit winning margin.
There were also significant individual gains, most notably from former Junior Boks captain Riley Norton on his return from a three-month hamstring lay-off. Initially selected at lock, Norton shifted to flank following late withdrawals and responded with 20 carries and 14 tackles.
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“He was outstanding in the role and this kind of versatility would have Stormers coach John Dobson and national coach Rassie Erasmus beaming,” Keohane writes.
Hooker André-Hugo Venter was another standout, earning the Man of the Match award after a powerful all-round performance.
“He was strong in the carry, influential at the breakdown in winning turnover penalties and part of a dominant Stormers set-piece. His 16 tackles were a team high,” Keohane concludes.
Photo: @dhlstormers/Instagram
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The Stormers showed in Galway that they have the squad depth to challenge for the URC title, writes @mark_keohane
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