Stormers eye home boost as improved pitch sets stage for Dragons URC clash

Green grass underfoot and the opportunity to play in front of their home fans again has the Stormers excited for the United Rugby Championship (URC) challenge against the Dragons on Sunday afternoon (3pm kick-off).

With the playing surface of the DHL Stadium in a better condition than it was earlier in the season, when the side picked up some injury troubles, the Capetonians are ready to entertain spectators with some running rugby.

Currently second on the points table of the (URC), the Stormers will have four consecutive games in which they will look to seal a playoff spot. They need two victories to be certain, but will aim to stay in the Top two for a home quarter-final and a potential semi-final.

For assistant coach Rito Hlungwani, the important thing is that they challenge for victory in all of their games.

“We are not looking at certain games and thinking we can go easy on them; we want to challenge every time,” Hlungwani said.

“Our entertaining rugby, it's what our fans love. It is our character, so what they see is what they get,” Hlungwani said, underlining the team’s commitment to an attacking style of play.

“So, yeah, it's really nice to be back at home. However, bonus point victories are not our focus. The big target is to improve with each match and to execute our plans better. If we get those small things right, it will take care of the result. That is a big controllable from our point of view.”

The Stormers’ recent performance against the Bulls offered a reminder of that identity, and Hlungwani believes supporters responded to it. He said he is sure they enjoyed the 32-19 victory, and the team will be ready to showcase their skills again.

However, they also know that if they go out of character too much, they can be in for a long afternoon, especially with the strong defence of the Dragons.

With a return to familiar surroundings, the focus shifts to reconnecting with their home crowd — something the team has missed over the last three matches and while the Six Nations break was underway. Hlungwani made a direct appeal to supporters to fill the stands, noting that tickets are still available for the weekend clash.

“What I would say would be nice — if you look around, the boys run out on Sunday and see a full stadium. I would challenge all the spectators to come and support us this weekend, considering we haven't been here in a while. The grass is looking really nice for a change… I’m joking,” he added with a laugh.

“We want to come and put out a good performance, one that our spectators, all our fans, will enjoy.”