The Stormers will look to kick off a four-match URC home run with a big win against the Dragons in Round 13 on Sunday.
Match context
John Dobson’s side occupy second overall after their 32-19 beating of the Bulls in Pretoria last week and remain in a dominant position from which to challenge for top spot.
They’re currently just four-points shy of leaders Glasgow Warriors, and with this weekend’s clash marking the first of four consecutive home games for them in the competition, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the 2022 champions right in the conversation for another title come June.
Dobson has opted for a number of changes this week from the side that downed the Bulls, the most notable seeing Damian Willemse move back to fullback from inside centre and Bishops Old Boy Imad Khan getting the nod at scrumhalf. Dan du Plessis and Seabelo Senatla are also back in the run-on XV, while in the forwards Evan Roos makes a welcome return at No 8.
Given the Men of Gwent’s ongoing struggles in the pro game, it wouldn’t surprise many to learn that the Capetonians have won each of the past four encounters between the sides with the last coming in a 48-12 result in the Mother City last May.
Coach Filo Tiatia, once a Super Rugby campaigner with the Hurricanes, mentioned midweek that 32-year-old Wales hooker Elliot Dee, who’s been sidelined since the first round with a shoulder injury, could feature in what would be a major good news story for the embattled club.
His presence, even in the wider training squad, will certainly provide them with a boost as they begin their South African tour looking to improve on their current 14th-place standing.
Players to watch
Deon Fourie (Stormers)
Having made a successful 30-minute return against the Bulls last week, expect Brannas to be even more heavily involved against Dragons here. The injury-plagued 39-year-old, who has played just six games in the past 24 months, starts again at No 6 and should be even more up to speed on Sunday, especially against the lowly Welsh outfit.
Aside from his trademark physicality, Fourie’s talents at the breakdown could cause Dragons trouble and if they aren’t tidy on the deck, the 2023 Rugby World Cup champion will be there to make them pay.
Tinus de Beer (Dragons)
Former Pumas man de Beer will have his hands full at Cape Town Stadium against what could be a massive Stormers bombardment. The 30-year-old, who cut his teeth at the Bulls, will need to be on point with his decision-making and tactical awareness if he is to get Dragons playing in the right areas.
While it’s likely to be a difficult afternoon for the entire travelling contingent, de Beer can get his side some key wins within the game if he can make the most of whatever possession comes his way.
Tactical overview
All things considered, it looks set to be a long afternoon for Dragons in Cape Town. The club has won just two of their 12 games in the competition this season, with the last coming at home to Scarlets on New Year’s Day.
They were last in action in a 15-all draw with Benetton at the end of February, and while the added break may have served to rejuvenate some of their tiring players, the reality is that they will need a massive stroke of fortune to come anywhere near the hosts.
Coming from Newport, the tourists will also need to contend with the South African summer heat which could play a role in the closing stages of the match with the Dragons boys sure to be feeling it in that final quarter.
For the Stormers, having successfully seen off the Bulls last week, all eyes will be on maximising on their upcoming run of home games ahead of their final two round robin matches in the UK. A strong start against Dragons here would tee them up perfectly for another full crack at finishing No 1, and knowing the drive and determination of this current era of players, they won’t be taking anything for granted.
Roos will be hungry to make an impact on his return, while fellow loose forward Fourie will also be out to capitalise on any loose Dragons play to allow the supreme attacking threats of their backline to do their thing.
Prediction
The Stormers to clear the handicap and claim a comprehensive win over Dragons in the Cape.
