The Stormers could face a far stronger Cardiff outfit in Saturday’s Vodacom URC quarter-final than the one they lost to in Wales two weeks ago.
Cardiff coach Corniel van Zyl confirmed on Thursday that Welsh internationals Josh Adams, Alex Mann and Mason Grady are all back from injury ahead of the playoff clash at Cape Town Stadium.
Experienced lock Josh McNally is also available again after missing Cardiff’s 22-16 victory over the Stormers at the Arms Park due to commitments with the Royal Air Force.
“It’s a massive boost for us because they are experienced players and they have played a big role in what we have achieved this season,” said Van Zyl. “It’s refreshing for the team to have them available again.”
MORE: Cardiff refuse to fear Stormers’ cauldron
The returning stars add further belief to a Cardiff side already brimming with confidence after their upset victory over the Stormers in the final round of league action.
Cardiff went into that match needing to win to reach the playoffs for the first time, and Van Zyl believes the character shown then can fuel another surprise result in Cape Town.
“We had our backs against the wall and found a way to win,” he said. “There will be an attempt to repeat what we did in that game.
“We are away from home this time, but we have the carrot of a place in the semi-finals in the back of our minds.”
DOBBO: Cardiff easiest of the quarter-finals
Van Zyl also dismissed suggestions that Cardiff would be intimidated by comments from Stormers coach John Dobson, who recently admitted he would have been more anxious facing the Lions in the quarter-finals.
Dobson’s remarks were made in the context of the intensity of a local derby, but they have nevertheless added spice to Saturday’s clash.
“It comes down to the 80 minutes and hopefully the boys perform,” said Van Zyl. “It’s easy for him to say that, but they will feel the pressure after their last few matches, especially after starting the season so well.”
“It’s going to come down to how well we fight for the jersey”
CVZ spoke with the press in South Africa ahead of our @URCOfficial Quarter-final play-off against the Stormers
#YmlaenCaerdydd pic.twitter.com/wcDL5fiOwr
— Cardiff Rugby (@Cardiff_Rugby) May 28, 2026
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
The post Cardiff boosted for Cape Town ambush appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Stormers could face a far stronger Cardiff outfit in Saturday’s Vodacom URC quarter-final than the one they lost to in Wales two weeks ago.
The post Cardiff boosted for Cape Town ambush appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
