Stormers see Dragons clash as another step towards top form

High-flying Stormers say that while they will not underestimate Dragons, they will use their match at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday to further find their rhythm as they target a strong run in the United Rugby Championship (URC) play-offs.

The Stormers have surged from 12th to sixth on the URC log since March, winning four of their last five games and collecting four bonus points – a run that has all but secured them a play-off spot.

But instead of becoming complacent as they prepare to host last-placed Dragons with the kick-off at 6.15pm, the Western Province side are focusing on ironing out any improvements they need to and finding top form.

Stormers ‘in a good space’

“This time of the season is about momentum and really finding your groove as a group,” Stormers backline and attack coach Dawie Snyman said.

“Last week we gave the guys a bit of time off, which is also important. You have to measure up how hard you are going to train and how much better you are going to get, or in terms of medical freshness and [helping the guys] get rid of one or two niggles, and just get them mentally right.

“I think we are in a good space. We are really excited for the last two games.”

As the Stormers backline find themselves in the rare position of having all their top-choice backline players fit and available together, with flyhalf Manie Libbok returning from injury last, Snyman said they would focus on maintaining the cohesion that has brought them success.

“We have to make sure we can keep our rhythm as a unit and as a team. And also just make sure the next in line is ready.

“We’ve been a bit off the radar in terms of prepping and always being a little bit under pressure in the start of our season, which is a good thing. Going into a play-off game and you haven’t had a lot of pressure on you, it’s not always great for the squad.

Stormers know what it means to ‘fight for your life’

“We know how it is to go out every game and almost fight for your life. We are working on stuff behind the scenes and it’s looking to get going now.”

Still, Snyman said they could not “take anything lightly” in terms of the season the Dragons have had, just winning one game out of 16.

“They are actually a good side,” the coach said, adding they had been in it during a few games but come away with “unlucky” results.