Stormers XXIII prepare for confrontation with Pumas in Currie Cup playoffs

Springbok utility back Kanan Moody stated that after the world champions defeated Argentina in a tense match in Buenos Aires, the entire team is now fully focused on the series of games against the All Blacks.

The one-off test match in Buenos Aires was very intense. Coach Rassie Erasmus fielded many Boks players returning from long injuries. At the same time, the hosts, Argentina, fielded an inexperienced team featuring four debutants, but they managed to force the Boks to fight until the end by exploiting the guests' errors.

Despite the team achieving results in South America and, more importantly, getting playing time for key athletes, Moody believes that shifting focus to the RGR (Rugby's Greatest Rivalry) series is inevitable.

Moody noted: 'I think many guys returning from injuries are not fully ready for the game yet. Therefore, getting 80 minutes was very important, and we hope to be included in the lineup against the All Blacks.' He added that they achieved what they wanted in the match, so attention is now completely directed towards the All Blacks series. Since the All Blacks have already played against the Stormers and have a match scheduled against the Sharks, the team will closely monitor their actions and prepare in the best way possible.

The atmosphere in Buenos Aires was clearly hostile, which initially worried some young Boks players. However, the Bomb Squad team eventually managed to calm the situation and secure a victory. Moody believes that this experience will be useful to the Boks precisely when they face their main rivals.

'Many guys didn't play in Argentina, and we knew the atmosphere would be hostile. It was just about sticking to our principles, adhering to our systems, and ultimately showing a lot of character,' commented Moody. He emphasized that their system helped counter fatigue, kicking for territory, and a hostile crowd. 'It was a huge battle; it will always be difficult. I am glad we won in the end. Argentinians never give up. We had to fight until the very end. In the end, it could have easily ended in a draw, but I am happy we won.' He concluded that this experience is important because, although the game was tough, the players demonstrated character, and they hope to apply this in the test series when it gets harder.

In the upcoming decisive weekend of the Currie Cup, players from the Stormers, Sharks, and Bulls teams have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and increase their chances of making the All Blacks squad, who will begin their matches against great rivals next week.

Key Events of the Currie Cup

The undefeated Cheetahs and the defending champions Griquas are the focus this weekend. Meanwhile, the Stormers, Sharks, and Bulls teams aim to use the tournament to strengthen their positions ahead of the tour to New Zealand.

Matches in Cape Town and Kimberley

On Saturday, a coastal derby will take place in Cape Town, where Stormers XXIII, led by scrumhalf Stefan Ungerer, will face Sharks XV. In another match in Kimberley, the Free State team, captained by Springbok veteran Faf de Klerk, will strive to continue its winning streak, giving De Klerk another chance to impress before the tour to New Zealand.

The Cheetahs will closely watch the challenge from the titleholders Griquas, especially at home in Kimberley. Griquas started their season with a victory over the Bulls in the second round and, despite injury issues, intend to stop the winning streak of the more favored team from Bloemfontein.

Opportunities for Young Players

Several young world champions among the Junior Springboks will be involved in the match between Stormers XXIII and Sharks XV in Cape Town. However, given the approaching All Blacks games against their senior United Rugby Championship teams mid-week, spots in the squad are a subject of competition for many athletes.

The head coach of the Cape Town team, Tom Dawson-Squibb, stated that his players are not focused on playing against the greatest rival, but the Saturday match gives them a chance to show themselves. Centre Marcus Müller is debuting in the Currie Cup after playing for the senior team and is one of the players striving to make an impression. Dawson-Squibb emphasized: 'If you want to get into a stronger team, you must train and play well in the current one. There is no better method.' He added that they probably won't lose many players due to the All Blacks match, but injuries could change the situation.

Four Junior Boks will also strengthen the Sharks XV squad. For fullback Luan Giliomee, this is a chance to claim more minutes in the starting lineup and gain experience playing against the New Zealanders. Like Müller, he played for the SA 'A' team this year before helping SA U20 win their second consecutive world title. Nevertheless, like Stormers XXIII, the Durban team is losing, and their priority is to restore the course of the season.

Bulls vs Lions Match

In another match on Saturday (starting at 17:05), the injured and struggling Bulls will attempt to secure their first win of the season against the Lions in Johannesburg. Following a heavy 56-26 defeat to Griquas, the situation for the team coached by Fives Nomlomo is not improving. Captain Nama Shaba has broken a finger and will miss the rest of the campaign along with talented young centre PA van Niekerk. Other players are also on the injury list, and the Bulls have tasked Nicolaas Jansen van Rensburg with taking on the role of captain.

Boland Kavaliers Season Conclusion

Boland Kavaliers, the only other undefeated team, will host the Pumas in Wellington on Sunday. This is their last home game for some time, and they need to secure a victory before their three-match away trip. A third consecutive win could prepare them for a successful tour and potentially put them in a strong position to fight for a semi-final at home later in the season.