DHL Stormers fired up for homecoming

Director of Rugby John Dobson says the DHL Stormers are excited about returning to Cape Town and their first home game of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship season at DHL Stadium.

The DHL Stormers went down against Edinburgh at Hive Stadium on Saturday. Having bounced back from a tough encounter versus the Ospreys in Bridgend with a bonus-point win at Zebre Parma, the DHL Stormers head home with five points from their season-opening three-match tour.

Next up for the DHL Stormers is a clash against Munster in Cape Town, before they lock horns with defending Vodacom URC champions, the Glasgow Warriors, at Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch on 26 October.

Key lessons from Edinburgh result

“We made too many mistakes. We got into chase mode and that hurt us. We were under pressure at the start. Our discipline puts us under pressure. After Edinburgh’s second try, I thought we were good for a long period. I was confident at half-time. But when the score got to 21-7, we really started chasing and that’s where we got frustrated. We have to take responsibility.”

Upcoming home clashes

“The next two games are important. We’ve got the 2022-23 Vodacom URC champions Munster, and last year’s champions the Glasgow Warriors. If we can get our fizz back at home, we will be OK for the rest of the season. While we only got one win from three on tour, it doesn’t feel like last season. The key for us is the next two home games. If we can get those next two, we will be alive and kicking. There is a little bit of pressure in that respect, but it doesn’t feel like last year.”

Springbok reinforcements

“Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Steven Kitshoff are injured. Our plan is for Manie Libbok and Frans Malherbe to come back for the game against the Glasgow Warriors. We want to give them their mandated three-week rest period now. Next week is the third week, so we won’t look at them for the game against Munster. But we will certainly look at them for the week after.”