The Stormers are gearing up for two challenging Highveld derbies in the coming weeks, starting with a showdown against the Lions at Ellis Park this Saturday, followed by a clash against the Bulls at Loftus. These matches are crucial for the Cape side as they look to secure valuable points in the United Rugby Championship (URC).
The Stormers are coming off a devastating 33-32 loss to the Bulls in their previous game, where they narrowly missed out on a victory due to a missed conversion in the final moments. Despite the defeat, they managed to earn two bonus points, propelling them to 10th place on the URC table.
On the other hand, the Lions currently sit in 13th place on the log, with the opportunity to climb up the standings with a strong performance against the Stormers. Both teams will be hungry for a win as they aim to improve their positions in the league.
Assistant coach Dawie Snyman acknowledged that the team is still reeling from the loss to the Bulls but is ready to face the challenge of back-to-back Highveld games. He emphasized the importance of learning from their mistakes and building on the positives from their previous matches.
The upcoming derby against the Lions promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams known for their expansive attacking style of play. In their previous meeting in December, the Stormers secured a 29-10 victory over the Lions in Cape Town. However, the Lions will be eager to exact revenge on home turf and avenge their narrow loss at Ellis Park last season.
Snyman emphasized the need for the Stormers to be tactically sound and disciplined in their approach against the Lions, especially in a fast-paced environment like Ellis Park. He highlighted the importance of minimizing errors and capitalizing on scoring opportunities to avoid being punished by the Lions’ talented players.
As the Stormers prepare for their Highveld double-header, they are focused on rectifying their mistakes, improving their game plan, and showcasing their resilience in the face of tough opposition. The upcoming derbies against the Lions and Bulls present an opportunity for the team to demonstrate their growth and determination as they strive for success in the URC.
