Flyhalf Jurie Matthee says the Stormers are embracing the scale of Saturday’s showdown against Munster.
He says the unbeaten Capetonians see the Limerick cauldron as another opportunity to underline their growing authority in this season’s Vodacom URC.
The Stormers arrive in Ireland with a perfect record after five rounds – a start which has been built on composure, clarity and the ability to win tight moments away from home.
Matthee has been central to that run, steering the side superbly when he’s been given the opportunity and delivering clutch performances, including his 21-point haul against Benetton.
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Now comes the biggest test of their campaign so far: a top-of-the-table clash against the 2022-23 URC champions at Thomond Park, where few teams leave with anything.
“Playing Munster, we know it’s going to be almost Test match-like,” Matthee said. “We’re expecting wet conditions, so looking at that challenge, it’s just getting the momentum right and getting points on the board and ending up on the right side of the pitch. The bigger the stage, the better the opportunity. It’s Munster and we are ready for them but it’s not like we’re more prepped than any other week. We’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Matthee credited the squad’s adaptability and hunger as key drivers behind their unbeaten run, particularly after the group set a collective goal to improve on past overseas tours.
“As a group, we kind of prepare ourselves to be ready for anything,” he said. “We set ourselves the goal of touring well after our previous tour and it’s quite satisfying to have gotten the results. But in saying that, I think Thomond Park, we’re ready for all the conditions and we’ll react to what they bring.”
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With the Stormers unlikely to have many – if any – returning Springboks available this week, the responsibility again falls on the side that has built this early-season momentum. Matthee has thrived in that role, even with the added spotlight created by Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s outstanding form.
“He’s been playing amazing and he’s having a great run,” Matthee said. “He’s obviously inspiring and playing good rugby but that doesn’t influence the way I see things on the field.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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