As the Stormers prepare for their second pool match in the Champions Cup against Harlequins at Twickenham Stoop tomorrow evening (10pm kick-off), they do so under significant pressure amidst injury concerns.
The last time the DHL Stormers faced Harlequins 🍿
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A try-fest in Cape Town with Dobbo's men winning 32-28 in the Round of 16. Who remembers that finish by Damian Willemse? 🥶#InvestecChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/D3EN63uEjK
With several key Springbok players sidelined, the Cape side might find themselves in a precarious position against strong opponents as they aim to bounce back from a disappointing defeat to Toulon last weekend.
The Cape side entered this season buoyed by their previous triumphs, but their recent home losses exposed critical gaps in their game.
While they demonstrated resilience in putting up a fight in the 24-14 loss to Toulon in Gqeberha last weekend, several aspects of their play were noticeably wanting.
The team’s inability to secure their breakdowns hampered their ability to deliver quality possession to their scrumhalf, limiting their potential to unleash their dangerous backline.
Against Toulon, disruption at the ruck and tackle areas caused significant delays, effectively throttling the Stormers’ tempo and leading to costly turnovers.
This tactical play from Toulon not only stymied the home side, but will also provide Harlequins with a blueprint on how to stifle their attack.
The Stormers are battling through a difficult phase in the Champions Cup, following last week’s 24-14 defeat to Toulon in Gqeberha.#rugby #stormersrugby #ChampionsCup
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Their breakdown play will come under scrutiny at Twickenham Stoop, and neglecting to protect their possession could result in an affair where they struggle to maintain ball control.
Defensively, the team’s locks and loose forwards will need to step up to thwart Harlequins’ efforts in generating quick ball, particularly with flyhalf Marcus Smith orchestrating play from the backline.
The Stormers’ physicality will be essential in ensuring they can keep pace with the threats posed by a well-oiled Harlequins team.
Given the likely unfavourable weather conditions in England, the Stormers may also need to adjust their inherent strategy favouring running rugby.
Instead, leaning on their forwards to create momentum may yield better results.
The Cape side possess strong ball-carrying forwards such as Willie Engelbrecht and Marcel Theunissen, who can make significant yardage in tight quarters if they adopt a more conservative approach, prioritising possession over offloads.
In the face of a pressing defence, the Stormers must exercise caution.
Throwing the ball around excessively, especially from deep in their territory, could lead to mistakes that Harlequins would be eager to exploit.
Accurate tactical kicking from flyhalf Jurie Matthee and his fellow backs will be vital for relieving pressure and ensuring that the Stormers maintain a foothold in the game.
It will be tough for the Cape outfit to overcome the home side with a depleted side, but they won’t go quiet in the night.
If the can overcome the challenges that have plagued their recent performances, including the injuries, they will be able to fight.
But if they fail to do so, a second Champions Cup loss will be on the cards which could mean the end of their campaign in the prestigious tournament.
Director of Rugby John Dobson will name his side today.