Stormers excited about URC after key exercise

John Dobson was pleased with the tough experience of the DHL Stormers in Nelspruit, whose Vodacom URC campaign starts in Wales next week.

The Stormers concluded their pre-season preparations with a 45-26 victory over the Pumas in a practice match at the Nelspruit Rugby Club on Wednesday afternoon.

With seven tries, the Stormers showed their readiness for the start of the URC and ahead of a three-week European tour that will see the Capetonians travel to Europe to face the Ospreys, Zebre Parma and Edinburgh.

Dobson was pleased with the team's performance in difficult conditions and stressed the importance of the fight.

“It was a really great experience, under tough conditions with high humidity and temperatures well over 33 degrees,” he said.

The first half started dominantly, with Ruhan Nel scoring twice in the first 15 minutes. Dan du Plessis followed with a try to give the visitors a 19-0 lead after the first quarter. Leolin Zas added two more tries before half-time to give the Stormers a commanding 33-7 lead.

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Dobson stressed the importance of experienced players and returnees getting valuable playing time. “We had a good first half and I am relieved that we have guys like Ruhan Nel, Dan du Plessis, Brokkie and [Brok Harris]and Keke Morabe is back on the field and building up playing time,” he said. “They all played well.”

The second half was more even, with both teams making numerous changes. The Pumas scored three tries, but further goals from the Stormers through Sako Makata and Luke Burger sealed the win.

While Dobson acknowledged that it was a physical game, he was pleased that the team had emerged unscathed.

“It was nice to confirm a lot of what we have been working on in pre-season on the field and it was an important practice before we play the Ospreys next week.”

Crucially, there have been no reports of injuries, so the team is in high spirits as they prepare for their trip abroad.

“It was crucial for us to avoid any injuries and to survive a tough blow in the high heat,” concluded Dobson.

Photo: @THESTORMERS/Twitter