Assistant coach Sentle Lehoko and winger Mfundo Ndhlovu say the Stormers XXIII are excited to hit the road and reignite their Currie Cup campaign in Nelspruit on Saturday.
Last week’s defeat to the Cheetahs at Athlone Stadium left the Stormers in sixth spot on the log with three rounds left until the semi-finals.
Focus now turns to this week’s Nelspruit clash against Jimmy Stonehouse’s Pumas at Mbombela Stadium, the Stormers’ first match of the 2026 competition outside of the Western Cape.
“The Pumas are a very tough, experienced side with a good set-piece and kicking game, and physical,” Lehoko told reporters on Tuesday. “We’ve got to be focused and ready for the challenge, because it is going to be a challenge, but one we’re excited for.”
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The 2022 champions come off a narrow win over the Vodacom Bulls XV that moved them up to third, and Lehoko is wary of the hosts’ maul threat.
“Not only the Pumas, but just the new rules of the game, mauling has gained a lot of traction and power, so we know we’ve got to be super-prepared for that,” he added.
“Forwards coach Helmut Lehmann is incredible, he spends a lot of effort and time making sure we’re prepared for that.
“We’re aware of their threat and how big a part of their game it is, and we know how important it’s going to be for us to be locked in and ready to stop that maul threat.”
Ndhlovu, meanwhile, is relishing the chance to test himself on the Lowveld against in-form opposition.
“As a back, you’re always looking for opportunities to run and have fun with the ball in hand. It’s a massive opportunity to go there and play the type of game we want to play.
“The Pumas have been doing well, and we know the challenge that lies ahead of us. We’re excited for the opportunity to get onto a fast field and run in dry weather.
“We also know they have a good forward pack and good players in general, so it’s going to be a tough outing.”
Photo: Shaun Roy/Gallo Images
The post Stormers locked in for Pumas challenge appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Assistant coach Sentle Lehoko and winger Mfundo Ndhlovu say the Stormers XXIII are excited to hit the road and reignite their Currie Cup campaign in Nelspruit on Saturday.
The post Stormers locked in for Pumas challenge appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
