DHL Stormers raring to go in Vodacom URC

Director of Rugby John Dobson was happy with the tough experience for the DHL Stormers in Nelspruit this week, with their Vodacom United Rugby Championship campaign getting underway in Wales next week.

The DHL Stormers wrapped up their pre-season preparations with a 45-26 victory over the Airlink Pumas in a training match at Nelspruit Rugby Club on Wednesday afternoon.

Running in seven tries, the DHL Stormers showcased their readiness for the start of the Vodacom URC, and ahead of a three-week European tour from next week, which will see the DHL Stormers travel to Europe to face the Ospreys, Zebre Parma and Edinburgh.

Dobson was pleased with the team’s performance in tough conditions, noting the importance of the hit-out.

“It was a really good experience, and in tough conditions, with high humidity and temperatures well over 33 degrees,” he said.

The first half saw a dominant start, with Ruhan Nel scoring twice in the opening 15 minutes. Dan du Plessis followed with a try, putting the visitors up 19-0 after the first quarter. Leolin Zas added two more tries before the half-time whistle, giving the DHL Stormers a commanding 33-7 lead.

Dobson highlighted the significance of seasoned campaigners and returning players getting valuable game time. “We had a good first half, and I’m relieved to have guys like Ruhan Nel, Dan du Plessis, Brokkie [Brok Harris], and Keke Morabe back on the field building up game time,” he said. “They all played well.”

The second half was a more even contest, with both teams making numerous changes. The Airlink Pumas scored three tries, but further DHL Stormers scores from Sako Makata and Luke Burger sealed the win.

Dobson acknowledged the physicality of the match but was pleased the squad came through unscathed.

“It was nice to confirm a lot of what we have been working on in pre-season out on the field, and it was an essential exercise before we play the Ospreys next week.”

Crucially, no injuries were reported, leaving the squad in high spirits as they prepare for their overseas trip.

“To not pick up any injuries and go through a tough hit-out in hot conditions was key for us,” Dobson concluded.