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Stormers prepare for match against Bristol Bears in Champions Cup
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Stormers prepare for match against Bristol Bears in Champions Cup

The Stormers team is determined to earn a star for their badge by participating in the Champions Cup. Utility back Damian Willemse admitted that achieving this top goal would be of great significance for the Cape team ahead of their opening match against Bristol Bears at the DHL stadium on Saturday (starting at 16:15).

However, the Springbok international player realizes that they face a serious challenge from the English team, which possesses significant attacking potential in its backline, and he fears the threat posed by the visitors.

Following a brilliant victory over Sharks in the United Rugby Championship (URC), the Cape team aims to maintain this winning momentum. Nevertheless, the challenge presented by the Bears could serve as an early test of their European ambitions.

Willemse stated: 'For us as a club, it would be a huge achievement to add a star to our badge.' He added: 'We take this tournament very seriously. We reached the quarter-finals and played in the Round of 16, so we know what it's like to feel the pressure when traveling to Europe and playing against big clubs like Bordeaux, Toulon, and Leinster.'

He continued: 'We really want to add a star to our badge, but obviously, it's too early. We have a very tough match against Bristol this weekend. I rate them very highly as a team. They have an incredible coaching staff, and what they have achieved with their program is visible on the field. We are looking forward to our first game.'

Willemse does not idealize the difficulty presented by Bristol, as the English club can damage opponents in several ways thanks to its exciting backline. Stormers intend to build on last Saturday's results but are also preparing for a completely different challenge.

The determination of Stormers to start the campaign with a win is reflected in minor changes made by rugby director John Dobson. Willemse and the rest of the backline remain unchanged, while two changes in the forwards complete the squad.

John Dobson noted: 'There is a lot of attacking potential in this backline. There are Louis Rees-Zammit, Gabriel Ibitoye, and Tom Jordan—they are powerful players, as well as Benhard (Janse van Rensburg). They have a full set of qualities, and they are an outstanding team. As I said, they can carry the ball, pass, and run, so Saturday will be a great confrontation.'

He also added: 'I am very happy about the start of the Champions Cup. We had a very good week, and we look forward to returning home for another weekend. We are obviously playing against a very strong team in Bristol. Their performances in the Premiership have been outstanding, and it is their style of play that makes them truly dangerous.'

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Sharks and Bulls prepare for URC matches against Stormers and Lions
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iol.co.za

Sharks and Bulls prepare for URC matches against Stormers and Lions

The Sharks team, captained by Andre Esterhuizen, is expected to show its influence after returning from the Springboks squad in the upcoming coastal derby against the Stormers on Saturday. Overall, the Sharks and Lions have an advantage heading into the first round of the United Rugby Championship (URC) derby against the Stormers and Bulls, respectively.

The Durban-based team, which has not lost two consecutive matches, ranks first in the URC table thanks to two victories with bonuses at Kings Park. The return of players from the Springboks has boosted their confidence, and they are now aiming for a third consecutive win in the tournament by defeating the Stormers.

JP Pietersen's team is the league leader with 10 points after a 26-20 victory over Leinster. However, they must confirm their home form in a tense away match at the DHL Stadium on Saturday at 4:00 PM.

Sharks aim to strengthen dominance over Stormers

It appears that the return of players from the Boks was timely: captain Andre Esterhuizen, wingers Edwil van der Merwe and Ethan Hooker, added valuable experience to the attacking line, while prop Thomas du Toit performed brilliantly in the scrum against Leinster, earning crucial penalties. In the reserves, left-winger Ox Nche and lock Eben Etzebeth shone.

The Stormers will be closely watching their opponents, especially after two previous games that did not go their way. They intend to rectify the situation against the Sharks and will have a good opportunity to do so in their famous 'Men in Black' kit in Cape Town.

Stormers fans, affectionately known as the Stormers Faithful, are anticipating this homecoming. After a 17-13 defeat to Edinburgh, the team desperately wants to return to winning ways following a strong start against Connacht in the first match. Rugby Director John Dobson and his assistants will conduct a full week of training, and the return of Springboks players may add the necessary depth and experience for this important clash.

Lions bring momentum to Loftus

In Loftus, the Bulls are in a difficult position ahead of the Jukskei derby against the Lions on Saturday afternoon (match at 1:30 PM). Although they are returning home after an inconsistent two-week overseas tour, the visitors are in excellent form after two confident home wins, which has allowed them to secure third place in the URC table.

The Pretoria-based team faces injury concerns before the game after a 26-22 loss to Munster, and head coach Johan Ackermann hopes this will not significantly disrupt his team's performance. Meanwhile, the Lions are gaining momentum and aim to surpass the hosts early in the season to maintain their pace.

However, for Ackermann and his colleague Ivan van Rooyen, the team composition and the availability of Springboks players will be crucial in trying to find the right balance to gain an advantage on Saturday afternoon. Jeanandre Rudolph made a run to the try line, helping the Bulls stay in the fight.

The Lions integrated their Boks players into the squad through the bench in the 35-19 victory over the Ospreys last week, but Van Rooyen intends to bring scrum-half Morne van den Berg and fullback Juan Horne back into the starting five for this battle. Ackermann will have to decide where to fit his international players without disrupting the team's cohesion. They fought hard throughout the match against Munster, but minor errors disrupted their rhythm.

If injuries exclude captain Marcel Coetzee and versatile backup Stravinho Jacobs from playing, Boks player Marco van Staden might play at flanker, and Handrie Pollard could potentially take the number 12 spot next to flyhalf Kurwin Bosch, who started his career well with the Bulls. Ackermann is also interested in bringing forwards Johan Grobbelaar and Jan-Hendrik Vessels back into the game for this contest.

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