Stormers scrum-half Paul de Wet said they are determined to continue their impressive home form when they return to United Rugby Championship (URC) action against Munster in Cape Town on Saturday.
The tournament’s defending champions are on a 19-match winning streak on home soil, with their last defeat in their backyard registered way back in December 2021 when they lost at DHL Stadium to the Lions.
Chasing a home semi-final
The Stormers are currently lying second in the URC standings and have two matches home left in the league phase of the competition – against Munster and Benetton – and can ill afford a defeat as they try to secure a home semi-final.
Munster are set to play their first match in Cape Town, and De Wet said he and his team-mates are hoping it will be a memorable encounter on their home turf.
“It is great to have Munster in Cape Town. We will defend the home record and continue to make our fans proud of the team,” he said.
The Stormers’ attacking style of rugby has brought them great success over the last two seasons, and the 27-year-old said they will stick to their expansive game-plan.
“We pride ourselves on scoring tries and creating opportunities and can only do that with possession in-hand,” explained De Wet.
The Stormers have only faced Munster on one previous occasion, and that was at Thomond Park last season. Although the visitors made a bright start in the first half, Munster launched a second-half fightback before clinching a victory.
The Irish province have several internationals in their ranks, and De Wet is relishing the opportunity of testing himself against them.
“Munster is one of the top teams in the competition, and they have a lot of internationals with a wealth of experience in the team,” he said.
Bad and good news
The Stormers have suffered a blow after experienced flanker Deon Fourie was ruled out recently due to a fractured eye socket, but they also received a boost when star number eight Evan Roos returned to training recently after a lengthy lay-off with a knee injury.
“Injuries are unfortunate but part of the game,” said De Wet.
“It is great to welcome back any injured player. The team needs depth in every position.”
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