The Stormers are gearing up for a critical clash against three-time Champions Cup winners Toulon tomorrow afternoon (5.15pm start) in Gqeberha, with their struggles at the breakdown raising eyebrows.
As the team reflected on their recent performances, it's clear that rectifying these issues will be paramount to their success in this prestigious tournament.
After suffering a frustrating defeat to the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship (URC), which marked their second consecutive loss, the Stormers find themselves grappling with refereeing decisions that have cost them dearly. In a tightly contested match that ended 21-15, two crucial breakdown calls made by referee Marius van der Westhuizen and TMO Marius Jonker proved pivotal.
The DHL Stormers get their #InvestecChampionsCup campaign underway in Gqeberha this weekend 🍿
Toulon are in town, we've got some of the best tries from Dobbo's men last season 💨 pic.twitter.com/g8fX3QugFg
The match hinged on a knock-on by flyhalf Manie Libbok, halting an imminent try-scoring opportunity. However, the officials overlooked a transgression by Sharks' Phepsi Buthelezi, who was in what appeared to be an offside position when he played the ball at the ruck.
Post-match feedback revealed that Buthelezi should have been penalised - and potentially shown a yellow card - altering the course of the game in the Stormers' favour. This underlines an unsettling trend for the defending URC champions, who find themselves frequently on the wrong end of refereeing decisions.
Despite the run-ins with match officials, Director of Rugby John Dobson remains optimistic that the Champions Cup will offer a fresh slate for the Stormers' campaign.
In the lead-up to tomorrow's high-stakes encounter, Dobson is particularly focused on improving the breakdown, an area where the Stormers faltered against the Sharks. The absence of key fetchers—Springboks Deon Fourie, Steven Kitshoff, and Evan Roos—all sidelined due to injury, compounds the challenge ahead of them. Without these vital players, the coach acknowledges the necessity of strategic adjustments to combat Toulon's formidable forwards.
This weekend we do Rugby 🔥
— NMB Stadium (@NMB_Stadium) December 4, 2024
It’s all systems go for the Investec Champions Cup clash between @THESTORMERS VS Toulon 🏈
Get ready for a fun day for the whole family 😁 - There will be food trucks to ensure your bellies are sorted 🍔🍟🫔
📍Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
🗓️ 7… pic.twitter.com/mWNYKFxSyP
Failure to gain clean possession at the breakdown could spell disaster for the Cape side.
As the Stormers prepare for their Champions Cup opener, clean ruck play is essential to executing their attacking strategy. Historically, Gqeberha has been treated to a thrilling display of rugby from the Cape side, and maintaining that tradition depends on their ability to nullify Toulon's aggressive challenge at the scrum and breakdown.
Complicating matters further, Kitshoff and utility back Damian Willemse have been withdrawn from the squad due to long-term injuries. They could be added to the squad again should they become available.
Stormers have made some changes to their Champions Cup squad ahead of the first round:
— Stephen (@SteviePSport) December 4, 2024
DHL Stormers
Additional player: Zachary Porthen
Deregistered: Steven Kitshoff
Additional player: Jonathan Roche
Deregistered: Damian Willemse
Deregistered players may be re-registered… pic.twitter.com/AaGjC47v9o
Kitshoff is still on the mend from neck surgery, while Willemse’s groin injury is set to sideline him until next year. Their voids are filled by newcomer prop Zachary Porthen and utility back Jonathan Roche, who will be thrust into the spotlight.
The Stormers must face the looming threat of Toulon without their injured stars but are determined to grab the opportunity in the competition. The resilience of the team will be tested as they seek to rewrite their destiny within the Champions Cup, steering clear of the pitfalls that have dogged them in recent matches.