Stormers forwards coach Rito Hlungwani says standards – not big names – determine selection.
The Stormers come off an impressive opening Investec Champions Cup win at Bayonne and are back home preparing for Saturday’s showdown with La Rochelle in Gqeberha.
Hlungwani said the squad’s ability to maintain performance regardless of personnel has been one of the defining features of their campaign.
“Our scrum is probably at the top in the URC. Our lineout is at the top. Our mauling has been at the top,” he said. “But every weekend I remind the players we’re not there yet. Even with the success we’ve had, there’s so much more in the tank, and we want to keep improving – especially as the games get tougher.”
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The Stormers have had to dig deep at times this season, with injuries and Springbok call-ups placing demands on their squad, but players have stepped seamlessly into high-pressure roles.
“When someone isn’t involved on a weekend, it doesn’t mean he doesn’t understand the plan,” Hlungwani explained. “Clinton [Swart] came in and slotted straight in. Tuks’ [Ntuthuko Mchunu] first game – the scrum didn’t drop. And he knows he’s competing with guys like Oli Kebble, Vernon Matongo and Ali Vermaak. When you get an opportunity, it’s your job to raise the standard, not drop it.”
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Hlungwani said the Stormers’ front-row depth was impressive, with everyone challenging for positions. Loosehead Mchunu, whose long-awaited return from injury has boosted the prop stocks, said the internal competition drives standards.
“No matter who plays, the boys produce the same,” he said. “Everyone pushes each other at training. You see a different guy in the same position every week, but we’re still producing those high numbers. It’s about the tightness of the group and wanting to do well for each other.”
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Mchunu also admitted his recent call-up to the Springbok squad had accelerated his development.
“Once you get a taste of that environment and the standards they hold, you don’t want to be away,” he said. “Those two weeks were massive for me – just learning how they do things. I can bring that back here and keep growing.”
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As the Stormers prepare for a bruising contest against the two-time European champions, Hlungwani said depth will again be critical.
“We’re building a strong squad to compete,” he said. “Everyone knows someone else wants their position. That mindset is pushing us to new levels.”
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