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Stormers Ready to Execute ‘Template’ in Crucial Scotstoun URC Quarter-Final Clash

Published

4 months ago

May 27, 2025

Chiraag

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The Stormers have arrived in Scotland primed and focused ahead of their important United Rugby Championship (URC) quarter-final showdown against Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium on Friday night. After suffering a loss to Glasgow in Stellenbosch during the league stages and a last-eight defeat at Scotstoun last year, the Cape Town side is eager to put their mark on the game using what they call the ‘Stormers template.’

Also read: Stormers to Face Glasgow Away in URC Quarterfinal After Fourth-Place Finish

Early Arrival and Preparation Key to Confidence

Assistant coach Rito Hlungwani emphasised the importance of their early arrival in Glasgow. “[Arriving over the weekend] gives us a full training week, like we would when we’re at home. It really makes a massive difference,” he said during Monday’s teleconference.

Hlungwani also highlighted the benefit of travelling business class: “For us to also travel business class, the fatigue levels are not as high, and coming early gives us a full training week to prepare.”

Implementing the Stormers Template

Hlungwani stressed how the team has been building consistency in their playing style. “In the past three or four games, we felt like we’ve played the way we want to play, which is sort of implemented what we call the Stormers template, and we would really want to get better on that, and at the same time be ready for whatever Glasgow will bring to the table.”

Managing the Absence of Damian Willemse

The Stormers will miss the versatile Damian Willemse, who was suspended for three games following a red card against Cardiff. Hlungwani remains confident in the team’s depth, saying: “Obviously it’s unfortunate to lose a player of Damian’s quality [but] like I always say, when there’s an injury or a suspension, it’s a nice opportunity for the next person to put their hand up. We’re quite fortunate to have guys that can cover 15 and 12; Sacha [Feinberg-Mngomezulu] is very comfortable at 12. He’s played 12 for us quite a number of times. Then Dup [Dan du Plessis] also covers 12 as well. As much as we’re not happy that we’ve lost him [Willemse], we feel we’ve got enough cover.”

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Respecting Glasgow’s Strengths

On the challenge posed by Glasgow, Hlungwani said: “The players are a very balanced side; they compete in the scrum, they’ve got a strong maul, probably one of the best mauls in the URC. They’ve got big backline players who are strike runners, guys who run really hard.”

Loose forward Marcel Theunissen emphasised the need for total focus: “You can’t actually focus on one aspect of the game against a team like Glasgow. You must be on your game at every single aspect of the game… in open play, breakdowns, whatever. You can’t be off on a single aspect of the game; you must be on your game whether it’s lineouts, defense, or attack.”

Injury Updates and Squad Fitness

Regarding injuries, Hlungwani provided reassurance: “I think probably the only guy that I have in mind would have been [hooker] JJ Kotze. He got injured in the warmup before Cardiff, but he’s someone that’s sort of coming back to full fitness. That’s pretty much about it.”

Looking Ahead

The quarter-final clash at Scotstoun will test the Stormers’ tactical execution, fitness, and resilience. With momentum on their side and a clear game plan, John Dobson’s side aims to overcome last year’s hurdles and advance deeper into the 2025 URC playoffs.