United Rugby Championship: Stormers coach braced for ‘a classic’
Matches between Cape Town and Pretoria representative sides are rarely for the faint of heart, but with the SA conference of the United rugby Championship up for grabs, this weekend’s clash will be something else.
Stormers coach John Dobson has predicted a ‘classic’ in Cape Town this weekend, with his side on a fine run of form and boosted by some injury returnees.
Huge game
Hooker Scarra Ntubeni is back at hooker and experienced flanker Deon Fourie returns to the line-up, while Warrick Gelant is back from injury and on the bench.
“In terms of winning the conference, the Bulls game is huge,” Dobson said. “Any game between the Stormers and Bulls is a big occasion and this one has all the makings of a classic.”
“It is fantastic to have the likes of Scarra and Warrick back from injury for this game. Warrick is being managed carefully and will make a big impact from the bench as he did earlier in the season.
“Our team cannot wait to run out in front of our fans at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday and will be giving absolutely everything to get the result.”
They’ll have to, as the Bulls have been on a fine run of form of their own, with both sides taking advantage of home advantage against European opposition.
“The Bulls are playing an expansive brand of rugby, but they’re still direct with that big pack,” Dobson continued.
“I think we’ve been also-rans because everything has been about the Sharks and the Bulls, but now we’re within touching distance.
“It’s going to be a great game of rugby.”
