The Stormers team is preparing for the match in the United Rugby Championship against the Sharks, which will take place on Saturday. Stormers Rugby Director John Dobson emphasized that addressing lineout execution issues is one of the main priorities before this weekend.
Speaking to the press ahead of the derby in Cape Town at the DHL stadium, Dobson expressed regret over the 11 lost lineouts in the defeat to Edinburgh, calling it a serious area for improvement. Previously, Stormers faced a similar problem at home against the Sharks last season, where they failed to generate momentum for their dangerous maul and attacking play.
Positive news for the Cape Town team involves the return of hooker Andre-Hugo Venter, who passed concussion protocols after an early exit from the field against Edinburgh. Additionally, veteran Deon Fourie will join the bench to add experience to the decisive confrontation.
However, the team faces a meeting with one of last season's leading teams, which includes Springbok veteran Eben Etzebeth, who battles for the ball at the start of the lineout.
UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP
Dobson admitted that 'the lineout must improve,' warning that the team will lose the match if they lose six or more lineouts. He added that 'the Sharks mauled us last year. We have obviously developed more original plans... If we are under pressure, we will have to act more pragmatically—whether the ball goes high, whether we play the backup option up front, or reduce the number of players for four-man lineouts.'
'In Edinburgh, we identified three problems with throws out of ten or eleven we lost,' Dobson continued. 'We knew their number 6 was the best battler, and we targeted him six times. As Deon says, it is a systemic problem. We need to be equally aware this week.'
While the lineout requires tactical adjustments, the battle in the ruck is a pure test of strength. Since Ox Nche leads the Sharks' ruck unit, Stormers brought back Springbok player Wilko Lou to the tighthead position, and Nitling Forshey was sent to the bench.
Dobson noted: 'Nitling played very well when battling Ox last time,' he said. 'This ruck battle will be huge. I think psychologically, besides penalties and conceded points, everything will depend on which team shows itself as stronger. It won't be the lineout—it will be the ruck.'
Dobson cited the recent Leinster versus Sharks match as an example of how important the ruck contest is. He stated: 'The ruck probably determined the game for Leinster last week against the Sharks when Thomas Clarkson received a card. Our ruck culture is very important to us, and Saturday will be a turning point.'
Despite the fact that the Sharks squad will also feature many Springboks, including Siya Kolisi starting on the left wing next to open winger Paul de Villiers, and the new midfield pairing of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Kobus Reinach, Dobson dismissed suggestions that Stormers are less motivated for the match against the Sharks than for the meeting with traditional rivals, the Bulls.
'There is a different feeling in this team,' insisted Dobson. 'Last year, perhaps we saw something more in the Bulls and were a bit weak against the Sharks because they didn't show activity. This match will have the atmosphere of a classic school derby. I am not worried at all about being sluggish.'
When Stormers captain Ruhan Nel revealed that altercations began at the start of the national camp, it showed how committed both teams are to this coastal clash. Nel reported: 'Damian [Viljels] said there were already conversations in the Springbok camp between the Sharks guys and the Stormers guys. 'Hope you are ready for us.' They know this will be a big game.'
Stormers vs Sharks Squad:
The Stormers squad includes: 15 Damian Viljels, 14 Sebelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel (captain), 12 Jonathan Roach, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Kobus Reinach, 8 Hajiva Daimani, 7 Siya Kolisi, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 JD Schickering, 4 Andre Smith, 3 Wilko Lou, 2 Andre-Hugo Venter, 1 Ntutuko Mchunu. Reserves: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Vernon Matongo, 18 Nitling Forshey, 19 Riley Norton, 20 Connor Evans, 21 Evan Roos, 22 Hashim Pead, 23 Vandisile Simelane.