Stormers XXIII coach Tom Dawson-Squibb says his injury-hit side have a spring in their step as they prepare for Friday night’s crucial Currie Cup clash against the Lions. MORNÉ ESBEN reports.
The Stormers are fifth on the standings, with victory essential if they are to remain in contention for a place in the last four.
They’ve been bolstered for their Ellis Park mission by the return from injury of fullback Dylan Miller and lock Gary Porter.
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Speaking to the media from Cape Town International Airport en route to Johannesburg on Thursday, Dawson-Squibb admitted injuries have been a constant feature of the Stormers’ campaign but believes they have also created opportunities for others to make their mark.
“It’s been the story of the season. I can’t believe where we’ve been injury-wise but it is what it is,” he said.
The Stormers coach was encouraged by the mood within his squad during training this week, with the team looking to produce a big performance against a Lions side he believes will start as clear favourites.
“I looked at the way we trained this week against the URC team, and I just felt the energy in the circle at the end of Tuesday. Lots of smiles on faces, lots of pride,” he said.
“Injuries give opportunities to others and while I never want anyone to be injured, I think there’s a real buzz around our group going to Joburg. We want to play and play unencumbered.”
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The Stormers head into the final round knowing they need a big performance against the Lions, who have reached the Currie Cup final in each of the past two seasons.
Dawson-Squibb is well aware of the magnitude of the challenge.
“There’s absolutely no doubt that we want to give an enormous performance against a team that made the final in the last two years,” he said.
“We’re under no illusions that they are the clear favourites going into the game. But we’re not too focused on them – we just want to rip in.”
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Despite the Stormers’ injury problems, Dawson-Squibb confirmed that reinforcements from the URC squad were not an option for Friday’s match.
“With the injuries that we’ve had, I’d be lying to you if I said it wouldn’t have been nice to have had one or two guys to bolster our group. But that’s not an option for us. I’m super happy with what we’ve got, the players we’ve got and what they’ve invested in this campaign.
“Obviously if I’m a fan of the Stormers, I’d love to see a Yaqeen Ahmed, or a Johnny Roche or a Hacjivah Dayimani playing on Friday night, but it wasn’t an option or a choice afforded to us.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post Dawson-Squibb: Stormers just want to rip in appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Stormers XXIII coach Tom Dawson-Squibb says his injury-hit side have a spring in their step as they prepare for Friday night’s crucial Currie Cup clash against the Lions.
The post Dawson-Squibb: Stormers just want to rip in appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
