For Stormers it’s personal

Rudolph Jacobs

It will be “personal” for the wounded Stormers when they host the Lions in a Super Rugby game at Newlands this afternoon.

A win for the Lions will create extra daylight for them in the tightly contested South African conference, while the Stormers desperately need a positive result to stay in touch at the top.

Returning to his roots, Lions scrumhalf Nic Groom believes they will have to be ready for a battle of attrition after the Stormers defeat to the Sunwolves last weekend.

“One thing that goes for granted is that it doesn’t matter the circumstances of the competition when South African teams play each other,” said Groom (above).

“There’s a lot more emotion and competitiveness that comes into play, it’s personal.”

With the Lions backline yet to fire on all cylinders this year, they will be fielding two specialist fetchers in Marnus Schoeman and Kwagga Smith and it’s obvious they will not only target the breakdown but will be prepared to maul the Capetonians into submission.

The Stormers have only lost once at home, while both teams are too well aware that the Lions haven’t lost to local opposition for almost three years.

“Every team at home is tough, the Reds for instance came storming back last week from a big loss to the Sunwolves to put in a massive effort,” said Groom.

“Teams are known for bouncing back and the Stormers are notorious for that too.

“No matter what happened the previous week, Newlands is big for them regardless of their situation.”

With the Springbok squad being announced tonight, big performances can be anticipated from Stormers captain Siya Kolisi, Lions wing Ruan Combrinck and local centre Damian de Allende. Kick-off: 5.15pm. Also see Pages 41&42