The Stormers are backing their current squad depth ahead of their top-of-the-table clash against Munster on Saturday. MORNÉ ESBEN reports.
The Cape side depart for Limerick in Ireland on Tuesday after three solid weeks of training as the Vodacom URC restarts following the international break.
The log-leaders are, however, not expecting any of their international stars to be available for the showdown at Thomond Park. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Damian Willemse, Cobus Reinach, Ben-Jason Dixon, Ntuthuko Mchunu and Zachary Porthen are all still on national duty.
The Springboks have one more Test on their year-end tour against Wales on Saturday and many, if not all, of the Cape-based Boks, are expected be in action.
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Backline and attack coach Dawie Snyman says this won’t derail their plans.
“We knew that the Boks would be on that side and who was going to be involved,” Snyman said, “so we had the opportunity to have three really quality weeks of training with the squad here at home and it’s a good squad.
“It was nice to try out some new combinations, and also having the guys understand what we want to do and what we want to get right over the weekend.”
It’s a pragmatic approach from a Stormers management team that has always backed its depth. With Munster also missing their Test contingent ahead of Ireland’s November internationals, Snyman stressed the value of clarity and continuity rather than waiting for a late-week surprise.
“At this stage we haven’t gotten any indications of players that’ll be available,” he said. “From our side, we’ve taken what we have on this side and prepared accordingly. If anyone becomes available, we’ll deal with it.”
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This week’s focus has therefore been more about polishing what’s already functioning than reinventing anything for Thomond Park. With the Stormers’ defensive organisation, kicking strategy and attacking shape all finding rhythm during the early rounds, Snyman and the coaching staff have leaned into familiarity rather than panic planning.
“It’s a good squad,” he repeated, “and it was nice to try out some new combinations.”
Photo: Cole Cruickshank/Gallo Images
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