Stormers buzzing to tackle swooping Ospreys

15/04/2024 17:06

The DHL Stormers have used the last week to reconnect and refresh the squad as they prepare to host an Ospreys side that has already caused a few upsets. DYLAN JACK reports.

Having endured the disappointment of a Champions Cup last-16 exit at home against La Rochelle, the Stormers returned to training on Monday full of energy for a crucial run in the Vodacom URC.

Even though the Stormers still feel the pain of surrendering a half-time lead to the two-time defending champions, the defeat has given them a week to nurse their wounds and refresh themselves, both physically and psychologically.

Assistant coach Dawie Snyman explained that the free week has helped the Stormers gel as a unit as they prepare for a crucial run of home games.

“It was great, even though the loss was very disappointing,” Snyman said on Monday. “We discussed one or two things we learned about that game.

“It also helped with reconnecting the squad. When you go into these high-pressure games, there’s a group of players who are playing and a group helping them to prepare. So we broke that down and got together as a squad again.

“The energy is quite high, so we are excited to get back into things.”

First up for the Stormers is a match against Welsh side Ospreys, also hunting a playoff as they trail by just four points.

The previous match between the two teams was a 16-16 draw in Swansea in 2022 and Snyman is wary of Toby Booth’s attack-minded side.

“It’s definitely not a walkover,” Snyman said. “Toby is a great guy and he’s very passionate. They will want to come here and do well. We will respect that and have to prepare well this week.”

Ospreys have set the cat among the pigeons this season with some surprising results, beating Ulster in Swansea in round 10, while knocking Sale Sharks out in the last 16 of the EPCR Challenge Cup.

Centre Dan du Plessis reaffirmed that the Stormers aren’t taking this weekend as a given, despite claiming a bonus-point when they last hosted Ospreys towards the end of the inaugural URC.

“They’ve actually been performing really well. They had a slow start to the season, but their recent performances have been very good. They beat Sale Sharks and they’ve beaten Ulster as well recently. You can’t go into this game underestimating them.

“We had the week off last week. We didn’t do too much training. All the hard work and analysis is going in now. They are very good technically and have a good kicking game. They will bring a lot of physicality to the game as well.”

The Stormers will certainly be without Deon Fourie and Leolin Zas for Saturday’s match, as the experienced duo suffered knee injuries against La Rochelle.

However, Snyman provided a positive update on the three players who suffered concussions: captain Salmaan Moerat, loose forward Hacjivah Dayiman and utility forward Ben-Jason Dixon.

“It’s looking good. We weren’t playing over the weekend, so that gave us an extra few days. So far, everyone is on course. It’s looking good for the weekend.”

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images

The post Stormers buzzing to tackle swooping Ospreys appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.