Stormers pass high-tempo test, but there’s more to come...
STORMERS centre Dan du Plessis is hoping that the team can take their attacking momentum into the next few big Super Rugby games, especially their tough upcoming tour of New Zealand,
And after the massive confidence boost that came from beating the Chiefs 34-26 at Newlands and avenging last year’s quarter-final disappointment, the Stormers shouldn’t have much of a problem doing just that.
The inside centre also said that the game was a good learning curve for the younger guys in the Stormers squad, like himself and outside centre EW Viljoen, who hadn’t faced the Kiwis before.
“I think we’re playing a really good brand of rugby this year, and I think the challenge against the Chiefs was to keep playing that brand of rugby and not go back into our shells. And I think that’s what we did really well. Hopefully we can take it into the next few games,” Du Plessis said.
“It was a bit if a change for us – they played a high-tempo game and that’s what we expected. They tested us quite a lot and I think to come out with a win was really good for our confidence. We’ll take a lot of learning out of that, especially us, the young guys.”
“It’s really important for us to go to New Zealand on a high. And I believe the boys can do that.”
But Du Plessis knows that the Chiefs didn’t just give them a taste that they’ll have to remember, because the Stormers will face that high-tempo game consistently from now on. Not only against the Kiwis, but also against the Lions at Newlands on Saturday.
Looking ahead at the Round Eight clash with the departing Johan Ackermann’s team, Du Plessis said that the Stormers were looking forward to the match, which will be their last one at home before they go on a three-match tour to New Zealand to face the Crusaders, the Highlanders and the Hurricanes.
“They have a good backline and they play a similar brand of rugby to the New Zealand teams. So luckily we faced that this weekend.”
Speaking of the Lions backline…a man the Stormers will definitely have to watch this weekend will be inside centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg, and Du Plessis needed no briefing on the Bok centre’s abilities.
“He’s obviously a really good player, he had a great season last year. It’s a huge challenge for me if I start at No 12 again. We had them in the pre-season games and I also went up against him and it was tough,” he said.
“It should be a good challenge for us, it should be a good challenge for me. We’re looking forward to it.”
But it’s not like his own abilities have let him down.
Du Plessis faced New Zealand opposition for the first time in his young Super Rugby career on Saturday, and he looked good. As good as he’s looked in every game he’s played in this season.
The son of former Western Province and Springbok centre Michael du Plessis, Dan has put his strong running skills on show in the games he’s featured in for the Stormers, while mixing that running up with lovely passes.
But it’s his defence that has been his most notable contribution, with consistent hard tackling and missing just two in the three games he’s played in.
Meanwhile, the Stormers are still sweating over the fitness of Springbok lock duo Eben Etzebeth and Pieter-Steph du Toit, who are struggling with tight calves and a swollen knee respectively, while flanker Cobus Wiese is suspected to have dislocated his shoulder against the Chiefs.
Scrumhalf Jano Vermaak could be fit and ready for the game against the Lions, but he still has to pass a couple of concussion tests.
Stormers forwards coach Russell Winter on Monday said that loose forward Johan du Toit is “fit and ready” after suffering a knee injury soon after arriving in Cape Town from the Sharks during the pre-season.