The Stormers face a daunting trip north this week, with a side brimming with confidence waiting for them on the other side.
Former Stormers No 8 Juarno Augustus and his Ulster teammates, powered into the EPCR Challenge Cup final in Bilbao after dismantling Exeter Chiefs in the semi-finals on Saturday. They produced what head coach Richie Murphy described as one of their best performances of the season.
That emphatic display now sets the tone for a crucial Vodacom URC clash, with plenty at stake for both teams.
STATE OF THE URC: Stormers, Lions hunt Irish scalps
Murphy was particularly pleased with his team’s balance on both sides of the ball, highlighting their defensive resolve during an early Exeter onslaught.
“We want to be a team that work hard for each other and I suppose those type of actions are really satisfying from a coaching point of view to see them,” he told RTÉ Sport.
“Really happy with our setpiece. I thought scrum, line-out and our maul tonight was brilliant. We stopped Exeter a couple of times when they got in. Defensively, I thought we were really good and we scored some great tries.
“So there was an all-round feel to our performance. It’s probably one of the best performances we’ve put in all year. To do that in the semi-final when you’re under loads of pressure is really satisfying from our point of view.”
Ulster’s intent was clear throughout, repeatedly turning down kickable penalties in favour of attacking opportunities – a mindset that underlines the threat awaiting the Stormers.
“It’s the way we go about our business, you know what I mean? We’re a team who want to score tries. When you feel like you’re on top, you want to go after it.
“One of them we didn’t convert, but we’re willing to take that risk because it keeps the pressure on the opposition and that’s the type of team that we want to be.”
ALSO: Cash, Lions go all in for Irish tour
With a Challenge Cup final against Montpellier looming, Ulster’s immediate focus shifts back to the URC and the Stormers.
“We’ll enjoy tonight and our focus will shift very quickly to the Stormers. They’ve obviously had a couple of weeks prepped for us, so that’ll be a difficult game this week.
“But most of our players that started tonight were off last week, so they’ll be bouncing into next week and we’ll assess the injuries and go from there.”
Photo: Ryan Byrne/INPHO
The post Stormers face red-hot Ulster test appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
