Defence coach Norman Laker has confirmed that the Stormers will have an almost full compliment of Springboks available for Saturday’s clash against the Sharks at Cape Town Stadium.
John Dobson’s side come off the back of a narrow tour defeat to Edinburgh last Friday, and will be desperate to avoid a hat-trick of URC defeats to their coastal rivals after the Sharks completed the double over the Stormers last season.
But Laker is confident the influx of Bok talent will give his side the tools needed to turn the tide.
“It’s a South African derby and it’s always physical,” he told the media on Monday. “It’s almost like Springbok trials – every single guy wants to prove that he can be a Bok, so I’m looking forward to a massive game this weekend.”
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The Stormers will welcome back several internationals who missed the opening two rounds of URC action against Connacht and Edinburgh – both of which were played on 4G surfaces.
“We’re playing on grass, and all the Springboks are back,” said Laker. “Deon [Fourie] will be back, Damian [Willemse], Sacha [Feinberg-Mngomezulu], Cobus [Reinach], Wilco Louw and Zach Porthen. All of the guys are available except for Cheslin [Kolbe], who is obviously injured.”
Laker isn’t concerned about any rustiness among his returning stars, backing them to slot back into the Stormers’ structures with ease despite minor tweaks to the system in their absence.
ALSO: Dobbo disappointed with lineout malfunction
The Stormers are also holding out hope that hooker André-Hugo Venter is cleared to play after failing a HIA against Edinburgh. The Cape side’s lineout disintegrated when he left the field in the first half.
“André-Hugo must still be cleared according to World Rugby’s [concussion] protocols, but we’re hopeful he will be,” Laker said.
No 8 Evan Roos finds himself in a similar position, undergoing fitness testing this week as he looks to prove his readiness for the match.
Photo: @THESTORMERS/X
The post Stormers set for Bok bonanza appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Defence coach Norman Laker has confirmed that the Stormers will have an almost full compliment of Springboks available for Saturday’s clash against the Sharks at Cape Town Stadium.
The post Stormers set for Bok bonanza appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
