Assistant coach Norman Laker said the DHL Stormers will pay special attention to Leicester Tigers duo Handre Pollard and Jasper Wiese when the teams clash on Sunday.
The Stormers approach this weekend’s Champions Cup encounter against Leicester at Welford Road with caution, acknowledging the prowess of the World Cup-winning Springboks.
A linchpin for both club and country, Pollard’s calm head and exceptional kicking game make him a formidable force in steering English outfit’s game plan.
Wiese adds an intriguing layer to the match, setting the stage for a potential showdown with fellow Bok back-row bruiser Evan Roos. Both vying for the coveted No 8 jersey post-Duane Vermeulen’s retirement, their potential face off promises excitement and will be closely watched by fans and selectors alike.
Pollard’s impact extends beyond his individual brilliance, shaping Leicester’s overall strategy as a game-driver. His ability to control the tempo and orchestrate plays puts the Stormers on high alert, recognising the need for a strategic defensive approach against a well-structured Tigers side.
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In the parallel narrative, Wiese’s formidable ball-carrying skills become a focal point, amplifying the significance of his duel with Roos.
Speaking in a Stormers conference this week, Laker told reporters: “Leicester are a good team; they have done well over the past few seasons and we are looking forward to the challenge of going to Leicester.
“They are quite a structured team, they play well with Handre, he’s the driver of the team like he is for the Boks. He has a very good kicking game and a calm head.
“They also have some good ball players, Freddie Steward at 15 and Jasper can carry the ball. They are a good all-round team with a very good kicking game.”
He added: “Evan and Jasper are two contenders for the South African No 8 jersey, so there’ll be some exciting clashes.”
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