Rusty Dan du Plessis expects ‘massive battle’ as Edinburgh arrive in Cape Town

There is still a bit of rustiness in his game, but Stormers stalwart Dan du Plessis believes that, with a couple more matches and minutes under the belt, he will be back to his running self in time for the United Rugby Championship (URC) playoffs.

Du Plessis returned from a long-term injury this past Sunday and lasted a full 80 minutes in the Stormers’ 29-21 bonus-point victory over the Dragons.

Now, the prospect of another tough battle looms for the inside centre as the Cape side hosts a desperate and wounded Edinburgh at DHL Stadium on Saturday evening (7pm kick-off).

The inside centre showed glimpses of what he can do on attack, with some strong ball carries and an exciting line break that nearly resulted in a try. However, it was his defensive efforts alongside long-time midfield partner Ruhan Nel that caught the eye. This Saturday, should the duo pair up again, their combination could prove vital once again.

Edinburgh were dealt a heavy blow, losing 54-17 to the Lions. They now have the difficult task of picking up the pieces against the second-placed Stormers. Another loss could possibly spell the end of their ambitions to reach the URC knockouts.

“I think I am still recovering, but my body will get used to things after a couple of games,” Du Plessis said on Wednesday.

“After being out for so long, the first two or three games back are always tough on the body. But yes, I was obviously a bit rusty against the Dragons, and I feel I still need some time to get back into it. However, that is completely normal, and things will come with time.

“Maybe a couple of years back, if I were 21 or 22 years old, I would’ve made it over the line after that break, but that will also come with time,” the midfielder said with a laugh, referring to his line break where he was tackled just short of the try line.

“I obviously haven’t been out on the park for a while, so that cutting and swerving will also come back over time, and I will regain my speed. I will be as sharp as I was before the injury.”

According to Du Plessis, the team understand they are creating opportunities but not taking them. Against a more clinical side like Edinburgh, the Stormers will need to step up in that regard.

The Dragons almost made them pay after fighting back; but, the experience of the Cape side allowed them to close out the game. Edinburgh, with their returning Scottish internationals, could pose a different threat.

“At least we are creating those opportunities. We would rather have that than not create point-scoring chances at all. But the talk within the team this week, and the message from the coaches, is that we must be more clinical, especially against a good Edinburgh side.

“We are expecting a big fight from them. I know where they stand on the log, but I don’t know what points-wise they still need to do to make the top eight with the number of games left. However, I am sure they can still get there.

“That is why we are expecting a different game from last week.

“The Dragons looked to kick long; this week, we might face a more contestable kicking game plan. And they will pose a greater threat at ruck time, depending on the personnel they select in the loose forwards.”