Sports
Stormers to Tackle Leinster Challenge After Lineout Issues in Paris

After a hard-fought loss to Racing 92 in the Champions Cup, the Stormers turn their attention to a crucial United Rugby Championship (URC) encounter against Leinster at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Despite their setbacks, the Stormers are determined to come back stronger and end Leinster’s unbeaten run this season.
The Stormers’ defeat to Racing 92 highlighted some key areas for improvement, particularly in their lineout play. Despite staying competitive for most of the match, the Stormers struggled to maintain control of their throw-ins, with Racing’s Maxime Baudonne disrupting the set-piece throughout the game. This inefficiency in the lineout cost them precious attacking opportunities and ultimately allowed Racing to capitalize late in the match.
Coach John Dobson is now faced with selecting his side for the Leinster match, where the lineout performance will be under close scrutiny. With Ruben van Heerden and Salmaan Moerat at lock in the Racing defeat, Dobson may opt for a change in the second row against Leinster’s dynamic and mobile forwards. The pairing of Van Heerden and JD Schickerling could bring added stability and aggression to the set-piece, while Moerat could provide fresh legs in the latter stages of the game.
The Stormers also face several injury concerns, including hooker Joseph Dweba, No 8 Evan Roos, and wing Suleiman Hartzenberg. However, the team received a boost with the return of fullback Warrick Gelant, who has recovered from a calf injury. Despite these challenges, forwards coach Rito Hlungwani remains optimistic, citing the Stormers’ recent victories over the Lions, Sharks, and Sale as evidence of their resilience.
Leinster, with a 13-match unbeaten streak across both the URC and Champions Cup, will present a formidable challenge. However, the Stormers are determined not to be intimidated. With key players returning from injury and a renewed focus on improving their lineout play, the team is ready to give Leinster a run for their money in Dublin.
In off-field news, the Stormers have secured a significant signing with tighthead prop Neethling Fouché extending his contract for three more years, ensuring his services for the team’s future campaigns.
As the Stormers prepare for this pivotal match, all eyes will be on how they can improve their set-piece performance and challenge the dominant Leinster team in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
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