URC semi-finals: Five key battles that could decide Stormers’ fate against Leinster

Leinster and the Stormers have built their success in the United Rugby Championship (URC) on powerful forward play, defensive security and clinical execution on the attack.

On Saturday in the Aviva Stadium in Dublin (6.30pm kick-off), the defending champions will come up against the inaugural winners with a place in the final on the line. The semi-final is likely to be decided by a handful of key battles across the park.

We take a look at five areas that could determine who comes out on top.

Scrums

This will arguably be the Stormers’ biggest weapon on Saturday evening as they look to gain dominance and secure an attacking platform. They have arguably been the strongest scrummaging side in the competition and took Cardiff to the cleaners in the quarter-finals

Luckily for them, they will not be scrumming on artificial turf, so the likes of Neethling Fouché, Ntuthuko Mchunu and Vernon Matongo will be licking their lips at the prospect of squaring up against Irish internationals.

This battle will be the literal definition of the African saying that when two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. The side that gains the upper hand will put itself in a strong position.

Rush defence

Both sides are known for a strong rush defence designed to shut down attacks before the ball reaches the wider channels. However, the Stormers have been outwitted on a few occasions in this area.

The home side will certainly have taken note of that, so it will be up to the Cape outfit's defensive leaders to ensure they are not caught out by a potent Leinster attack. On the other hand, it could become a long night for the visitors if they cannot cope with Leinster's in-your-face defensive pressure.

Saturday’s contest will be about taking chances, and the Stormers have squandered plenty after being reeled in by opposition defences. They can expect more of the same from their hosts.

The aerial battle

Losing winger Seabelo Senatla is arguably a bigger blow in the aerial contest than the absence of injured flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. The speedster showcased his value, work rate and accuracy in the quarter-final.

However, he knocked himself out while attempting to score a try, and his influence on the wing will be sorely missed. It will be up to his replacement to step up, while the rest of the kick-chasers must follow his example.

Territorial kicking in a semi-final is crucial, and the Stormers will be up against experienced kickers and high-ball specialists in the Leinster backline. Competing for the scraps and winning them will go a long way towards securing territory.

Rolling mauls

This area has yielded massive success for the Cape side in recent weeks, and they will once again rely on their secure line-out and rumbling rolling maul to put pressure on the opposition close to their own try line.

However, they are up against a pack packed with Irish internationals, and Leinster take great pride in both their line-out contest and maul defence. It promises to be a fascinating battle at the set piece.

The Stormers will also have to contend with the hosts’ powerful maul. They can expect to be peppered with driving mauls throughout the contest, and how they defend them could go a long way towards determining the outcome.

The attack

There is no doubt both sides possess dangerous attacking weapons with ball in hand. They are also capable of being devastating on the counter-attack. However, Saturday’s match will come down to who takes their chances most effectively.

The Stormers’ attack has lacked a ruthless edge when it comes to finishing, but they will need to be fully dialled in to capitalise on the limited opportunities that present themselves, knowing Leinster's defence is notoriously stingy.

With their strong Irish contingent, the home side will be confident of scoring tries against South African opposition. They crossed for nine against the Lions last weekend and will be targeting a similar return when they face the inaugural champions.