September 26, 24:11IOL

Stormers defeat Connacht 29-15 in the opening round of the URC campaign

The Stormers team kicked off its United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign with a five-point victory over Connacht, 29-15, on Friday evening in Galway. The strong play of hooker Andre-Hugo Venter played a key role in the match, and he was named Man of the Match.

The win was secured by two touchdowns from two late-coming Stormers debutants. These scores allowed the Cape Town side to earn five points away, starting the URC season successfully.

A substitution of hooker Vernon Paulo scored one of these touchdowns, providing a seven-point lead. Subsequently, substitute midfielder Ezekiel Ngobeni intercepted the ball after winger Seabelo Senatla's kick from his own half, sealing the 29-15 victory in Galway.

Despite the URC season start not being entirely smooth, and the team facing issues due to injuries to two key forwards, Evan Roos and Marcel Teunissen, before the game, the visitors could have regretted not utilizing their chances more effectively, despite having full possession in the first and second halves.

There were numerous opportunities throughout the match to secure the result. Captain Rohan Nel intercepted the ball, but the connection between him and winger Leolien Zass within the team was lacking, and Connacht winger Max Hansen made a desperate tackle, preventing Nel's touchdown. Furthermore, flyhalf Yuri Matty touched the ball during a tackle after it appeared he was running for a try, but he was stopped by a Connacht flanker.

In the second half, winger Seabelo Senatla was held up near the try line, and another debutant, Yakin Ahmed, received a penalty attempt due to an infringement. Stormers led 10-0 after 35 minutes thanks to their strength in scrums and mauls, but they failed to capitalize on this advantage. Instead, and as is typical at the start of a season, they missed many opportunities due to minor errors.

These missed chances and errors at the end of the first half led to a Connacht counterattack, bringing the score to 12-10 at halftime. However, consistent mauls and rucks, along with ball movements by players such as Andre-Hugo Venter, Lou Nel, Connor Evans, and Hajiva Daimani, helped maintain momentum for the Cape Town side. Solid defense also played a crucial role in the second half, preventing the home side from crossing the try line again. Connacht managed only to convert a penalty, adding points to their halftime score.

Despite numerous errors from the Stormers, they take five points from Galway, especially considering the difficulty of the venue and the start of the season. They achieved half of their goal for the round and can now aim for a complete victory in the second match against Edinburgh to secure a perfect start to the new season.

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iol.co.zaSeptember 22, 18:35

Ben-Jason Dixon has recovered and will join the Stormers before the URC match against Connacht

Loose forward Ben-Jason Dixon from the Springboks has recovered from concussion symptoms and is expected to be available for the Stormers' first match in the United Rugby Championship (URC) against Connacht in Galway on Friday.

This player will be a significant boost for the Cape Town team, which is preparing for physical play and running tactics from the hosts at Dexcom Stadium (the match starts at 20:45 South African time).

Assistant coach Dawie Snyman confirmed on Tuesday that Dixon is part of the squad in Ireland. He previously missed the Boks' trip to Baltimore due to a concussion and was consequently not selected for the trip to Australia for the friendly match against the Wallabies on Sunday.

Nevertheless, new opportunities open up for this forward as he can start the URC campaign with the Stormers, who aim to replicate their undefeated season last year, which lasted eight matches in the tournament.

Dawie Snyman noted: 'We have a full squad of healthy players, and everyone is available for selection before Friday.'

Stormers' Goals During the Tour

Snyman emphasized that having a full week of preparation after the team's early arrival was beneficial. He added that on Monday, the players still lacked some strength after the flight, but the opportunity to recover and prepare for Friday was valuable.

He also warned that regardless of whether they play at home or away, the start of the season always involves mistakes in the first two games. He stated that some things will go well, and others will not, as the team is still adapting to minor changes in game plan.

The main goal of the team is to gain as many points as possible during this tour. The plan is for the team to quickly get into the game and earn points in the next two matches.

Snyman described Connacht as a team that likes to attack by hand and is capable of frustrating the defense. Therefore, the task for the Stormers will be to actively engage in contact and control the hosts' runners, especially in the defensive line.

Opportunities in the Halfback Position

Due to the internal centre Dan du Plessis signing a contract abroad, and Damian Willemse playing for the Springboks, there may be some adjustments in the halfback position. Captain Ruhan Nel needs a new centre partner, and depending on whether he plays at number 12, the Stormers have a choice between young player Markus Muller, who shone in the Currie Cup, or experienced Wandisile Simelane.

However, Nel is the linchpin in the Cape Town team's defensive line and is best suited for the outside centre position. This means Johnny Roché could take this position on the inside. Furthermore, the Stormers announced the signing of halfback André Warner on a six-month loan from the American team Seattle Seawolves. Warner will bring significant experience in the absence of Springbok Cobus Reinach. Young Lions player, No 9 Haashim Pead, is returning to Cape Town and should soon join the team.

iol.co.zaSeptember 21, 18:00

Stormers ready to get revenge on Connacht in the opening match of the URC campaign in Galway

Stormers captain Ruan Nel stated that the team is set on revenge in the upcoming match against Connacht as the new United Rugby Championship (URC) season kicks off on Friday evening.

UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

The Stormers team begins its URC campaign against Connacht on Friday evening with a mission of retribution. The match, which will take place in Galway (starting at 20:45), will give the visitors a chance to start the season with a victory over the team they defeated last season, as well as inflict an early defeat on one of the Irish clubs that slowed their ambitions.

After reaching the semi-finals and coming close to the final, the Cape Town team hopes to start the new phase with a clean slate, aiming to repeat their success at the beginning of the URC season last year.

Ruan Nel commented on the trip to Galway, noting: 'Connacht is a difficult place to play, and I think they will break many teams there this season.' He added that a successful start in Galway would be a good beginning. He also mentioned the previous meeting at the DHL Stadium, calling it very tough for them, after which they conceded two unusual halves.

'So we will try to get revenge on their ground (on Friday),' Nel stated.

According to Nel, new players Siya Kolisi, Cheslin Kolbe, and Vilko Lowe are eager to join the squad. They briefly interacted during the photoshoot for the new jerseys, and the captain believes this trio will bring huge benefits to the group.

However, he emphasized that the human factor, especially among the senior Springbok players, will likely be the most important element. He believes this will help them achieve their goal—to win the URC for the first time since its inception.

Nel clarified that, unlike some teams that might only aim to make the top eight to participate in the Champions Cup, Stormers are targeting victory in both tournaments and want to be competitive in both leagues. He noted that many familiar players have returned to the squad, and they have formed a truly excellent group striving to win major trophies.

'We are very happy to play the first match in black kit. We would like to replicate this style, but the game has evolved, and everything has changed a bit. There is a certain responsibility associated with playing in the 'Men in Black' kit, but we will not create unnecessary pressure on ourselves or deviate from our identity and what makes us strong,' he concluded.