Former England flyhalf Andy Goode backs the Stormers to “set a few records straight” and be among the contenders for Bordeaux Bègles’ Investec Champions Cup crown.
The Stormers and English club the Bristol Bears lock horns for the first time on Saturday at Cape Town Stadium in week one of rugby’s premier club competition.
John Dobson’s men next visit reigning champions Bordeaux on 13 December and Gloucester on 9 January, before hosting Racing 92 on 16 January.
Last season, the Cape Town-based club reached the round of 16 with three wins from four matches, only to exit following a narrow defeat by Toulon in France.
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Writing for RugbyPass, Goode says the arrival of Siya Kolisi, Cheslin Kolbe and Wilco Louw could help in the big games for a team that has never progressed beyond the quarter-finals, despite having the best away record in last season’s URC.
“It’s hard to look past the usual suspects of Bordeaux and Toulouse from the Top 14, Northampton and Bath from the Prem and Leinster and Glasgow from the URC in terms of likely winners but I’m backing the Stormers to have a big year,” Goode writes.
“It might not sound like a big call to predict that a team full of Springboks and World Cup winners might have a successful stint but this is the fifth season of South African involvement in the competition and none of their sides have made it to a semi-final.
“Everybody knows the challenges they face but discussion over their inclusion will only continue to grow if that record continues and I think John Dobson’s men might have the bit between their teeth to set a few records straight.
“Watch out for the Stormers and back-to-back winners Bordeaux, of course …”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post Stormers have Goode’s shot at title glory appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Former England flyhalf Andy Goode backs the Stormers to “set a few records straight” and be among the contenders for Bordeaux Bègles’ Investec Champions Cup crown.
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