The Stormers rediscovered their form with a dominant win at Loftus last weekend and will be heavy favourites against the struggling Dragons on Sunday.
After three consecutive defeats threatened to derail their season, the Stormers provided a timely reminder of their quality at Loftus Versfeld last Saturday. Their 32-19 win over the Bulls was, by John Dobson’s own assessment, the most complete performance of their campaign.
The visitors on Sunday are the Dragons, who prop up the table in 14th place with just two wins from 12 outings. On face value, this looks a straightforward assignment for the Capetonians.
The Stormers sit third on the log with 41 points, level with fourth-ranked Leinster, but both have a game in hand over the second-placed Ulster. A bonus-point win could conceivably reclaim top spot, provided Glasgow Warriors fail to secure maximum points against Leinster on Saturday evening.
STORMERS’ REVIVAL BUILT ON RETURN OF EXPERIENCED TROOPERS
The return of veteran openside flank Deon Fourie to the starting lineup was a defining factor in the Bulls win. The experienced campaigner repeatedly took the fight to the Bulls defence and set the physical tone from the outset.
Alongside Fourie, the recalls of Neethling Fouché, Damian Willemse and Ruhan Nel restored the nous and experience that had been missing during the losing run. Springbok flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu also showed flashes of his best, suggesting the Stormers’ backline is beginning to click again.
Their physicality, set-piece work and ability to compete in the air all returned to the levels that powered their early-season run of eight consecutive wins. Those qualities will again be central to how they approach the Dragons.
THE CHALLENGE OF MAINTAINING WINNING RECIPE
The Stormers had sufficient motivation to produce their best against a fierce rival at Loftus. Sunday presents a different kind of test; maintaining those standards against a side with little to offer in terms of competition.
In recent weeks, the Stormers attempted ambitious attacking rugby before establishing adequate scoreboard pressure. That approach contributed to their mid-season wobble. Against the Dragons, the priority must be building a lead before the extravagant touches are attempted.
With three more games in Cape Town to follow after this one – Edinburgh, Connacht, Glasgow, are all due at DHL Stadium – a home semi-final berth remains within reach. However, that ambition starts with taking care of business this Sunday.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Dragons are without a win on the road this season and have conceded points freely throughout the campaign. Their best hope is an early foothold and a tight first half, but the Stormers have the firepower and home advantage to pull clear as the game progresses.
Dobson’s charges have the attacking DNA to put on a show for their Cape Town faithful. The question is whether they can balance the desire to entertain with the discipline required to build a dominant scoreline. A five-point haul is the minimum expectation on Sunday.
STORMERS AND DRAGONS TEAMS
Stormers – 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel (c), 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Imad Khan, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Marcel Theunissen, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Adré Smith, 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 JJ Kotzé, 1 Vernon Matongo.
Subs: 16 André-Hugo Venter, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Ben-Jason Dixon, 20 Paul de Villiers, 21 Hacjivah Dayimani, 22 Stefan Ungerer, 23 Wandisile Simelane.
Dragons – 15 Cai Evans, 14 Jared Rosser, 13 Fetuli Paea, 12 Aneurin Owen, 11 Rio Dyer, 10 Angus O’Brien (c), 9 Rhodri Williams, 8 Harrison Keddie, 7 Harry Beddall, 6 Ryan Woodman, 5 Seb Davies, 4 Levi Douglas, 3 Chris Coleman, 2 Elliot Dee, 1 Jordan Morris.
Subs: 16 Brodie Coghlan, 17 Wyn Jones, 18 Owain James, 19 Barny Langton-Cryer, 20 Thomas Young, 21 Niall Armstrong, 22 Jac Lloyd, 23 Fine Inisi.
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