Image: The South African
The build-up to the Stormers’ United Rugby Championship quarter-final against Cardiff Rugby has been anything but straightforward.
From injury scares and illness concerns to heavy collisions at training, the Cape side endured a dramatic week before finally arriving at Friday with a largely healthy squad and renewed confidence ahead of Saturday’s knockout clash at DHL Stadium.
At one stage, it appeared the Stormers could be without several frontline players for one of their biggest matches of the season. A training-ground collision involving Damian Willemse and Leolin Zas caused immediate concern, while flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu spent part of the week battling illness.
Loose forwards Evan Roos and Ben-Jason Dixon were also carefully monitored as the Stormers medical staff worked overtime to ensure the squad would be ready for the pressure of playoff rugby.
Fortunately for director of rugby John Dobson, the situation improved dramatically as the week progressed.
“It’s a massive relief to have everyone fit,” Dobson admitted ahead of the encounter.
“On Wednesday, we looked at potentially being minus five players. Given where we were, it’s been a huge relief.”
The good news means the Stormers will field one of their strongest available line-ups for the clash against the Welsh visitors.
Willemse and Zas have both recovered in time, while Feinberg-Mngomezulu will direct the attack alongside scrumhalf Imad Khan.
Captain Ruhan Nel also returns after missing part of the recent tour, reuniting with long-time midfield partner Dan du Plessis in what will be their 30th appearance together in the Stormers midfield.
That milestone places the pair alongside legendary former combinations in franchise history and provides a significant leadership boost ahead of the high-stakes encounter.
The Stormers have also welcomed back explosive wing Seabelo Senatla after injury, while experienced forward Ruan Ackermann strengthens the bench options.
Dobson believes the return of experienced campaigners could prove decisive.
“We missed Ruhan enormously on tour,” Dobson said.
“To have him back and his bosom friend Seabelo is a massive boost for this team.”
Despite Cardiff defeating the Stormers 22-16 in Wales only two weeks ago, the home side believes familiarity with their opponents may work in their favour.
Nel explained that the Stormers have already identified where they fell short during that defeat and insist there is no danger of underestimating the Welsh outfit.
“We’ve seen the shortcomings from that game and had honest conversations afterwards,” Nel said.
“The energy in the team is really good. We’re playing a home quarter-final and, if you are not excited to play in front of your fans, then you probably should not be on the field.”
Nel also revealed how competitive training sessions during the week contributed to the injury scares.
“Wednesdays are always intense,” he explained.
“It raises the quality of training, but unfortunately these things happen sometimes.”
Cardiff have also strengthened their side with the return of several senior players, setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested quarter-final in Cape Town.
With more than 30,000 supporters expected at DHL Stadium, the Stormers will hope home-ground advantage and a near full-strength squad can carry them one step closer to another URC title challenge.
After a chaotic week behind the scenes, the Cape franchise now has one clear objective — survive and advance.
Source: www.iol.co.za
