Springbok and Stormers legend Corné Krige says the Stormers need to hold onto the ball while maintaining their exciting brand of rugby if they want to return to winning ways in their Champions Cup encounter against Harlequins at The Loop on Saturday night (kick-off 10pm).
John Dobson’s side have been far from their best this season, and while it hasn’t been all bad – considering how their situation has been compounded by a catastrophic degree of injury within the group – the Cape side’s decision-making and their struggle to close out games when they have the chance have been some of the most frustrating factors.
The Stormers, who have lost 17 frontline players to injury, will no doubt be boosted by the return of lock Salmaan Moerat in his first appearance since sustaining a knee injury in September.
Springbok skipper Moerat’s presence will be significant, especially considering that the team features several changes to the one that fell short against Toulon in their Champions Cup-opener.
The Stormers’ Champions Cup-status is in danger given their run in the URC but, perhaps, the fact that nobody can confidently say they’re expecting the Capetonians to pull an upset over a Harlequins side who will be equally determined given their loss to Racing 92 last weekend, can be seen as some kind of catalyst.
"And for a team fresh on talent but stacked with pressure in a disappointing United Rugby Championship campaign and a poor start to the Champions Cup, a tournament that will be even more demanding, getting the basics right against one of last year’s semi-finalists will be vital," Krige told TelecomAsia Sport in an exclusive interview.
I actually feel sorry for the Stormers, they have had a bit of a bad run, a bit of bad luck, and top that with the injuries. So, I think for them sticking to the basics, doing the basics well and holding onto the ball when they get a hold of it is going to be important. They are making too many unforced errors.
Harlequins will be no easy task. Not only is the team brimming with England internationals, but taking them on at The Stoop only adds to the heat on the Stormers.
They still need to play that exciting brand of rugby, but they need to hold onto the ball as much as they can. They just need to stick to the basics and try and get a win under the belt. It is not going to be easy away at Harlequins, but these are the competitions that they are playing in.
