The DHL Stormers have emphasised that whoever gets picked for the Champions Cup clash with Leicester Tigers will be fully trusted to get the job done.
With the emphasis being placed on preparing for next Saturday’s home match against defending champions La Rochelle, it appears that the Stormers will be sparing most of their star players the long trip to England’s East Midlands.
The Stormers will have just a six-day turnaround between their two Champions Cup openers, which will leave the players who travel to Leicester with little time to recover in time to face the French giants, in what will be the first game of the season at Cape Town Stadium.
During a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, the Stormers were cagey over revealing just how many of the stars that returned to action in the Vodacom URC win over Zebre in Stellenbosch will be boarding the flight from Cape Town International.
However, defence coach Norman Laker emphasised that whoever gets picked will be good enough to go toe-to-toe with a full-strength Leicester side, who count Springboks Handre Pollard and Jasper Wiese among their ranks.
“We are 100% confident they can get the result, no matter the team. We have a strong squad, with plenty of competition in the group. For example, we have five or six quality wings in the squad, all pushing each other. No matter who we choose, that player trusted with the jersey must give his best.”
Laker was joined in the online briefing by experienced wing Courtnall Skosan, who is among the speedsters pushing for a place in Sunday’s starting lineup.
“It’s difficult for people outside to see it, but there is intense competition in the squad,” Skosan said. “Whoever gets the jersey, is trusted to bring their best.”
Having spent two seasons in England’s Premiership with Northampton Saints, Skosan knows very well what to expect when the Stormers run out Leicester.
“They are a proud team, and take a lot of their pride from playing in front of their fans. It will be a massive crowd, and an incredible atmosphere, we must just soak it all in.
“They are very well structured and try to control the game well. Kicking is a big part of their game, so it absolutely will be coming this weekend. They won’t move away from it. But it will be 23 vs 23 quality players. If we can play better than them on the day, then we stand every chance of winning.”
Photo: Cole Cruickshank/Gallo Images
