De Wet looking to make home advantage count

DHL Stormers scrumhalf Paul de Wet is ready to take full advantage of a run of games at the DHL Stadium, kicking off against Ospreys on Saturday.

The DHL Stormers return to Vodacom United Rugby Championship action this week, with two successive home games on the menu.

First up is a clash with the current top-ranked Welsh side Ospreys, before eight-time champions Leinster arrive in Cape Town next week.

With the DHL Stormers hunting a third home URC quarterfinal and a top-four finish, De Wet is determined to help the team make home advantage count over the next two weeks.

“The upcoming home games against Ospreys and Leinster are crucial for us,” he said.

“To secure maximum points from both matches, we need to focus on executing our game plan with precision. This means maintaining discipline, capitalising on scoring opportunities, and staying mentally sharp.

“Playing in front of our home crowd gives us an extra boost, and we’re determined to make the most of it.

“We’ll be aiming to deliver strong performances and be in the form we need to go into the playoffs.”

The DHL Stormers have enjoyed the last week off after back-to-back Vodacom URC victories over Edinburgh and Ulster followed by an Investec Champions Cup clash against two-time defending champions Stade Rochelais.

De Wet said that the break has reinvigorated the squad for the coming weeks.

“The week off has been crucial for recovery and preparation. Following the physical encounter against Stade Rochelais, the break couldn’t have come at a better time,” he explained.

“It’s allowed us to recharge our batteries and focus on the upcoming challenges in the Vodacom URC.”

De Wet is taking plenty of confidence from the DHL Stormers’ performances this season. A massive effort in the Investec Champions Cup playoffs saw the Capetonians score 21 points against Stade Rochelais, yet falling just short of progressing to the quarterfinals for a second successive season.

“We showcased our attacking ability against Stade Rochelais,” De Wet said. “It’s a testament to the hard work we’ve been putting in on the training ground, and it’s encouraging to see our efforts paying off on the field.

“Despite our Investec Champions Cup campaign ending in the Round of 16, we draw a lot of confidence from our performances. Beating the defending champions in the pool stage and pushing them close in the playoffs demonstrates the quality and potential of our squad.

“It’s something we can build on moving forward.”