The DHL Stormers have moved quickly to put the disappointment of their Champions Cup quarter-final exit behind them as the focus shifts back to the Vodacom United Rugby Championship this weekend.
A 42-17 loss to the Exeter Chiefs in the southwest of England saw the Stormers exit the Champions Cup on a bit of a low note with a disappointing performance at Sandy Park.
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However, the Vodacom URC title-holders have had little time to dwell on that as their focus shifts back to their title defence this week and securing second place on the log.
The Stormers have a home run in their final two games of the season, starting with a massive clash against fifth-placed Munster, also hunting a home quarter-final, in Cape Town on Saturday.
Speaking ahead of the match, forwards coach Rito Hlungwani said the Stormers had taken the Champions Cup loss in their stride and were already focused on improving against Munster hours after the Exeter match.
“One thing I can tell you about this group of players is that we are a resilient bunch,” Hlungwani said. “It was a tough loss, but we have faced some tough challenges along the way. The one thing we do well is operating when our backs are against the wall or when we have had a setback.
“So lifting the energy and preparing for Munster wasn’t too much of a challenge. Two hours after the game, I walked into the team room at Exeter and Marvin [Orie] was already watching the match, looking to prepare for the next game.
“That’s what makes us really special.”
Munster, who also face the Sharks as part of their mini-tour, have travelled to South Africa with a loaded squad, including Ireland veteran back row Peter O’Mahony, former Stormers second rower Jean Kleyn and Springbok lock RG Snyman.
Hlungwani is wary of the threat posed by the Irish side at the set-piece.
“Jean (Kleyn) is a former Stormer, over two meters tall. You have RG, a Springbok, also over two meters tall. And Peter O’Mahony, an Irish international.
“They have high-quality players and a good set-piece. So it will definitely be a nice challenge for us coming this weekend.“
Photo: EJ Langner/Gallo Images