Libbok relishes top of log clash
STORMERS: STILL VERY WARY OF ‘WEAKENED’ LEINSTER
Stormers flyhalf Manie Libbok is fired up for the top-of-the-table clash between front-runners Leinster and the hosts at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
Despite it being a weakened Leinster team that lost to the Sharks this past weekend, Libbok believes that the Stormers still have to pull out all the stops if they want a positive result.
“We are playing against the best team in the competition this weekend. Leinster is No 1 on the log for a reason. They are a very good team and even though they don’t have all of their players here it is still going to be a tough match,” said Libbok.
“We are happy to be in the position that we are. We have worked hard to be second on the log, but we can’t relax and we have to be prepared for a big game this weekend.
“They are a very strong and well drilled side, so we are going to have to bring our A-game if we want to get the win.”
The Stormers will take heart from their bonus point win over Glasgow Warriors last weekend.
Unlike in previous games, where the Stormers have started well to set up their win, against Glasgow they got off to a very slow start before picking it up as the match went on.
“It was a big performance from us to come back in that game. It was important for us to stay in the match, work our way back and secure the win before we could look at the bonus point, because Glasgow is a very good side,” explained Libbok.
“They started very well and put our set-piece under pressure in the early stages and we are not used to that. In previous games we have started very well before taking our foot off the pedal and allowing teams back in before finishing well.”
The Stormers have made just three changes to their starting side from the one that faced Glasgow, with Warrick Gelant back at fullback, as Damian Willemse shifts to inside centre, with Rikus Pretorius out with concussion.
Deon Fourie is back to replace Junior Pokomela, who drops to the bench and JJ Kotze comes in for injured Scarra Ntubeni.