Attack coach Dawie Snyman says the return of two key forwards could be pivotal as the Stormers prepare to face the Lions and Vodacom Bulls on the Highveld.
The Stormers are refreshed after a two-week break and looking to bounce back from successive Vodacom URC defeats to the Sharks.
The Cape club has re-signed loose forward Hacjivah Dayimani, while veteran flank Deon Fourie is back in training having recovered from a bicep injury.
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“It’s like he’s never left,” Snyman said of Dayimani, who returned from French Top 14 club Racing 92. “He’s a special player with amazing speed and a great skill set. He links well with the backs and can add real variation. When the game gets fast and loose, he’s a guy who can open it up.
“You’ve got guys who are really putting in the hard work, and then later in the game when it opens up, we can maybe use that space and those opportunities.”
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While Fourie is not yet match-fit, he is being gradually reintegrated.
“We will see exactly where he is and how we can use him,” Snyman said. “Obviously the first two, three games, he’s not really match fit, but hopefully we can select a team where we can bring him up to speed.
“He’s worked hard and he’s tough mentally. He can go to dark places and he can really push himself. He obviously has a lot of experience and brings strong leadership. It’s not just about relieving workload, it’s about standards in the group.”
Several other players are also back in training having recovered from injuries, including centres Ruhan Nel and Dan du Plessis and winger Seabelo Senatla.
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With the race for playoff positions tightening, Snyman stressed the importance of their next two fixtures on the Highveld.
“These games are massive. The SA Shield is still up for grabs, but more importantly we want to be at the top end of the log when the tournament gets to the business end.
“The one we dropped at home against the Sharks hurt, so these away games are important for us.”
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Snyman says the Stormers will have to be accurate against a well-balanced Lions side who have taken huge confidence from their 34-22 dismantling of the Sharks at Ellis Park on Saturday.
“They’ve got a good running game but also a strong kicking game. They put a lot of kicks in behind the Sharks and turned them.
“If you give them momentum and space, they punish you. We have to be sharp and not allow that.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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