Stormers focused ahead of final
IN a big week ahead of a tough United Rugby Championship (URC) final at home for the Stormers, their coaches will not only have to manage the expectations of the team but also the expectation of their passionate supporters ahead of Saturday’s clash with Munster.
Stormers coach John Dobson believes this will be one of their most difficult weeks mentally as they not only have to prepare the URC side for the final (Cape Town Stadium, kick-off 6.30pm), but the Currie
Cup team as well for a vital Friday (Athlone, kick-off 5.05pm) match in the domestic competition.
Judging by the cool and calm demeanour of Springboks Frans Malherbe and Herschel Jantjies when they fronted up to the media yesterday, it’s clear that it’s so far so good in terms of keeping the emotions and expectations in check.
But, it’s early in the week and as the final approaches, the pressure will surely start to increase because Saturday could be a special day for the defending champions as they look to go back-to-back in the international competition.
Munster, the only team to beat the Cape side at the DHL Stadium this season, will be out to end the reign of the Cape side.
“The best we can do is to make sure the guys (players) are well prepared to do their job,” Stormers forwards coach Rito Hlungwani said.
“That’s pretty much our job (as coaches). To give the guys peace by making sure they understand the plan. Once we all understand the plan, we are on the same page. Then we are able to find that calmness and peace that we are ready for Saturday.
“Our big focus is to make sure that everyone is on the same page.”
Dobson in turn said it’s going to be vital to make sure that both their teams get the best preparation this week, despite the distractions around the final.
“The coaches are going to be distracted by the URC. The whole hype will be there,” Dobson said.
The two teams trained together yesterday and will do so agains today before they will be split up.
It’s been working for the Stormers and WP to train together and have almost match-like intensity when they face each other on the field, but they can only limit it to a day or two if one team plays on Friday and the other the Saturday.
“Nothing will change, we have always operated with two squads since the Currie Cup started. Preparation will remain the same, it’s nothing new for us. We feel the system is working well for us.”
Hlungwani added that they will not make any special plans for the returning RG Snyman or any of his teammates, but the focus will stay on their game.
Snyman, who missed the semi-final against Leinster, returns alongside veteran scrumhalf Conor Murray, centre Malakai Fekitoa and Calvin Nash. Former Stormers Jean Kleyn and flyhalf Ben Healy will have to go through return-to-play protocols before being considered for Saturday.
“No, we will be keeping tabs on how we want to impose our game on them.”.
The Stormers forwards coach also confirmed that flanker Deon Fourie and lock Marvin Orie are back in training and available for selection.