August 27, 15:00IOL

Stormers XXIII take the role of underdog ahead of crucial Currie Cup match against Lions

The Stormers XXIII team is taking on the role of underdog ahead of the decisive Currie Cup match against the Lions. In the final round of the tournament's group stage, which will take place on Friday, the Cape Town side aims to defeat the Lions.

Winger Joel Leotlela is expected to play a key role in the attack, having previously scored against the Bulls. Before this important confrontation, Stormers XXIII conducted intensive training sessions against their United Rugby Championship (URC) team.

Local Rugby

Head coach Tom Dawson-Squibb believes these training sessions were the best preparation of the last week, as the team is fighting for a spot in the domestic tournament semi-finals. Currently in fourth place, a victory at Ellis Park stadium (match scheduled for 17:05) would allow the Cape Town team to move up to third place in the table. However, to qualify for the playoffs, they will need several more positive results in the next three games, and they intend to use every opportunity to achieve this goal.

The DHL Stormers XXIII team will compete in the Carling Currie Cup match in Johannesburg on Friday. The team's objective is to improve on the results of the last two weekends, striving to secure a spot among the top four leaders.

Coach's Statements

During the press conference announcing the squad, Dawson-Squibb admitted that 'the Lions are clear favorites in this match.' He added that the Lions have played in the final in the last two years, are playing at home, and have fewer injuries than the Stormers, while also aiming to advance further this year. Nevertheless, he emphasized that the Stormers could only be a 'brake' for them, and despite great respect for the identity and what the Lions team has built, they cannot focus too heavily on them.

Despite two injured players returning—fullback Dylan Miller and lock Gary Porter—the Stormers will still take to the field in Johannesburg missing several key players. Nevertheless, Dawson-Squibb entrusted the victory to the young players. He could have requested reinforcements in key positions from Stormers rugby director John Dobson, but the team decided to rely on the players they have used throughout the season.

Dawson-Squibb noted: 'Given our injuries, I would be lying if I said it would be good to strengthen our squad with a few URC players. But that is not an option for us, so we haven't thought much about it.' He also expressed satisfaction with the players and their contribution to the campaign. 'Obviously, as a Stormers fan, people would want to see Yakin Ahmed (flyhalf), Johnny Roach (centre), or Hajiva Daimani tomorrow (Friday). However, this will not happen in the long term.'

The Stormers XXIII squad includes: 15 Dylan Miller, 14 Joel Leotlela, 13 Marcus Muller, 12 Luke Burger, 11 Mfundo Ndhlovu, 10 Kyle Smith, 9 Ezekiel Ngobeni (captain), 8 Eric Basson, 7 Louw Nel, 6 Solly Nyali, 5 Gary Porter, 4 Tom Barnard, 3 Herman Lubbe, 2 Vernon Paulo, 1 Mkhleli Huzwayo. Reserves: 16 Altus Rabie, 17 Henkus van Wyk, 18 Danny Kruger, 19 Luan Boty, 20 Gert Kemp, 21 Tiana Fury, 22 Dominica Malgas, 23 Kian Davis.

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iol.co.zaAugust 21, 20:32

Stormers XXIII defeated Bulls XV 50:26 and maintained playoff chances in the Currie Cup

The Stormers XXIII team secured a convincing victory over Bulls XV with a score of 50:26 in the North-South derby of the Currie Cup tournament, allowing them to remain in the race for a playoff spot.

Flyhalf Kyle Smith delivered an outstanding performance, earning Match Player of the Match honors, and helped his team achieve a brilliant win on Friday evening at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Thanks to this victory, which brought bonus points, the Cape Town side has a real chance of making it into the playoffs of the main domestic rugby tournament.

Nevertheless, they will require several more positive results in the final round to guarantee qualification for the semi-finals.

Game Assessment

Judging by how they controlled the ball and dismantled the Bulls, the Stormers XXIII team significantly increased its chances of qualifying when facing the Lions next week in the final match of the group stage in Johannesburg.

Despite the visitors again facing disciplinary issues and conceding game-changing penalties, they controlled most of the possession and territory thanks to excellent set-piece work and strong defensive efforts.

The home team started the match very aggressively and managed to come back closer to the end when the game was practically decided, but they did not offer significant resistance to their opponents in the interim.

Stormers took the lead 19:0 in less than 30 minutes, after the score was 0:0 in the first 15 minutes. These three touchdowns laid the foundation for the victory, as the visitors initially absorbed the pressure after the starting whistle and then began to build a lead.

When winger Joel Leotlela scored a turnover touchdown, securing bonus points, the game was virtually decided, and shortly before halftime, the Cape Town team increased its advantage again, taking the score to 33:7.

Although there was a dip in form in the second half, especially after substitutions, the home team could not organize a serious counterattack. Stormers managed to add another 17 points, reaching 50 points, even while slowing the pace, but allowing the Bulls to cross the try line three times will negatively affect their defensive coach.

Five points were exactly what Stormers needed, and they earned them through brilliant play. They are now within reach of the Pumas before the final round, and one more victory could allow them to overtake the team from Mbombela.

Match Results

In the previous match on Friday afternoon, Griquas secured their home semi-final spot with a convincing 38:14 victory over Pumas. The defending champions can only be overtaken by the Cheetahs in the official table, but thanks to this win, Kimberley will host the knockout match.

iol.co.zaAugust 20, 19:45

Lions Announce New Squad Ahead of Currie Cup Match Against Sharks

The Lions team has presented a completely updated squad for the upcoming decisive Currie Cup match against the Sharks XV team, which will take place on Friday afternoon at Woodburn Stadium in Pietermaritzburg. The match is scheduled for 19:15.

Head coach Mzivake Nkosi has made several changes to the starting XV. Specifically, Juan Schoman, Armand Combrink, and Conrad van Vuuren have joined the front line, taking positions as left, scrum-half, and right lock respectively.

Siba Koma has moved to the second line next to J.D. Hattington, while midfielder Zian Villiers and winger Latika Nel have returned to the main squad. Jarrod Cairns will be the team captain, playing on the open flank position, and Renzo du Plessis will take position number 8, with Tando Biela on the blind side flank.

Sam Francis will start in the playmaker position, with Villiers forming a midfield pair. Lihona Fink and Reinhard Jonker will play in the middle of the field. Guillermo Mentoe starts as a fullback, and Keegan Smith, who impressed in the previous match against the Boland Cavaliers, and Nel will complete the defense.

The bench includes junior springbok Ethan Adams, who may debut in the Lions' starting lineup. This powerful centre was part of the successful junior springbok campaign at the World Youth Football Championship in Georgia, where South Africa retained the world championship title. His presence on the bench significantly expands the options for the Lions' backline.

The Lions squad facing the Sharks includes: Guillermo Mentoe (15), Keegan Smith (14), Lihona Fink (13), Reinhard Jonker (12), Latika Nel (11), Sam Francis (10), Zian Villiers (9), Renzo du Plessis (8), Jarrod Cairns (7, captain), Tando Biela (6), J.D. Hattington (5), Siba Koma (4), Conrad van Vuuren (3), Armand Combrink (2), Juan Schoman (1). Reserves: Male Sitole (16), Liema Ntshanga (17), Siya Dube (18), Dylan Schoeman (19), Vuyo Gvidji (20), Asad Mus (21), Ethan Adams (22), Luke Cannon (23).