Nel: We’ve got fight to Storm on through
WP NEL has backed Edinburgh’s team spirit to be the key to success in Saturday’s URC play-off showdown in Cape Town.
The veteran prop, 36, has lived through several eras at the club since his arrival 10 years ago this summer.
And ahead of their clash with Stormers in South Africa, Nel reckons the current group under Mike Blair is the tightest he’s been involved in.
He said: “From where we started the season to where we are now, we have come together as a squad and it’s really exciting for us to take on a very good Stormers side this weekend.
“We’ve good characters in our team who keep the morale and energy high. We feed off each other’s energy and that’s how we’ve grown – everyone adds their bit and it all pays off.
“It is the tightest and best environment I’ve seen for a while.
“The players have bought into what Mike has brought to the table, and at this
moment in time, I think it is the best.”
Nel admitted that he is enjoying being back in the country of his birth for the second time in as many months – but insisted that he doesn’t feel he has any more of a point to prove against the Stormers than any of his team-mates.
He said: “It’s important for us as a whole club to have a good performance.
“It would mean a lot to the team and the club to win, so all of us are focussed on that.
“When it comes to knockout stages, you have to be on it, and you have to impose your game on the opposition.
“We know what is at stake so hopefully we can have a good performance.”
Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors stand-off Ross Thompson believes his team have nothing to lose against Champions Cup finalists Leinster.
He said: “Everyone is looking forward to it, we are excited.”