Most tourist guides give you the lowdown on the place you’re about to visit. But ours is a bit different. We give you a quick tour of the tourists, who are going to visit us. First up, it’s the Stormers.
Name:
Stormers
Location:
Cape Town
Population:
23
Things to see:
The Stormers’ front row - Regardless of team selection, the Stormers always have a strong scrum. Whether it’s Frans Malherbe, Joseph Dweba, Steven Kitshoff, Andre-Hugo Venter or Ali Vermaak, it’s easier to move house, than move them.
Evan Roos – Last year’s URC Player of the Season and arguably the best number eight in the league. With pace and power, he is the very definition of a number eight. He’s still on the outskirts of the Bok squad, which is as hard to fathom, as he is to tackle.
Damian Willemse – Probably the most improved player in South African rugby. Which really is saying something, as he was fantastic prior to last season. Test level quality at 10, 12 and 15, he is genuine triple-threat player who can kick, pass, and run with equal efficiency. Plays a very similar role to Ospreys’ great, James Hook.
Manie Libbock – A genuine running ten, the likes of which Welsh rugby supporters have appreciated since the dawn of time. Just when you think he is passing wide, he steps inside, and he’s gone. One of the most improved players in the league during the 21/22 season.
Lionel Zas – 6ft 1inches and 15 stone, he’s got enough gas to alleviate a fuel crisis.
John Dobson – One of the leading coaches in world rugby. Has the Stormers playing a wonderfully balanced style of rugby, based on solid scrummaging and creative backs. Won the URC title at his first attempt.
Famous landmarks:
Frans Malherbe, a man so large that he is visible from space.
Things to avoid:
Evan Roos’ shoulder – If at all possible, it’s best to avoid contact with any part of Evan Roos, especially off the base of a scrum. But if there’s one part of his anatomy to stay well clear of, it’s his shoulders. Just ask Connacht’s Mack Hansen.
Getting schooled by Willemse – Willemse is very difficult to defend. If you rush up in defence, he’ll step you. If you stand off him, he’ll put in a highly accurate kick or a perfect pass. He’s a defender’s nightmare.
The ground – If you hit the ground, Deon Fourie will hover over you like an actual Osprey and begin feeding. He’s fantastic over the ball and has recently been added to the Springbok squad for this very reason – he can also cover hooker.
What to pack:
A strong tight five – The Stormers have got a menacing scrummage, making tight five selection important.
A high tackle completion in midfield – The Stormers have a range of centres who punch holes in midfield.
Wings with genuine pace – Even without the injured Seabelo Senatla, the Stormers have plenty of pace on the wings. It’s easy to get gassed if you’re not careful.
Thank you for reading this guide to the Stormers. We hope you enjoy the trip!