As the Stormers gear up for a critical encounter against Zebre Parma in the United Rugby Championship (URC) this evening, continuity in selection could prove pivotal in their quest to shake off last weekend’s disappointment.
The match at the Stadio Sergi Lanfranchi (8.35pm kickoff) is the Cape side’s second of the new season and they are eager to secure a first win following a disappointing performance against the Ospreys.
Last season’s four-week tour left the Stormers searching for answers as they failed to register a single victory. Following their loss without points to the Ospreys, the urgency to change this trajectory is palpable. Another loss would be seen as a failure with the inaugural URC champions targetting at least two wins from their first three away clashes.
Director of Rugby John Dobson has opted for consistency, making just one change to the starting lineup, which reflects his confidence in the squad’s potential.
1⃣ change to our starting XV in Parma this weekend for 🦓 v ⛈️ in the @Vodacom #URC
— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) October 4, 2024
📢 Full team announcement https://t.co/TACREdBAxB#ZEBvSTO #iamastormer #dhldelivers pic.twitter.com/6qfSSakIWo
The focus will fall on Jurie Matthee, who retains his position at flyhalf despite a tough match in Wales. Dobson has entrusted the young playmaker with another chance to showcase his abilities, flanked by Springbok utility back Damian Willemse, who will remain at fullback.
The forward pack sees the inclusion of Ben-Jason Dixon, a crucial addition that brings physicality and experience to the side, particularly important in combatting Zebre's aggressive playstyle.
Captain Dan du Plessis spoke candidly about expectations for the match.
“Consistent team selection is probably key because it is so early in the season. That first game of the season sometimes is a bit scrappy. But it’s been a good week of preparation in Italy, despite the weather, and the guys are looking to repay the coaches with five points.”
His sentiments encapsulate the team’s drive to learn and adapt swiftly from their previous defeat.
“If we let them get into the game and score points, it could become a long day.”
Both Du Plessis and Dobson have acknowledged the challenge posed by Zebre, who thrive on being the underdogs. Du Plessis emphasised the need for the Stormers to prevent Zebre from finding their rhythm early in the match. “If we let them get into the game and score points, it could become a long day,” Du Plessis warned.
Historically viewed as one of the weaker teams in the tournament, Zebre seems revitalised this season.
Dobson reflected on their recent performance, where Zebre stunned Munster, hinting that this is a formidable opponent in this early stage of the tournament. “This is a very different Zebre team with no baggage from the past. They play fearless with the ball in hand,” he remarked.
“You go from processing the disappointment of losing at Bridgend (against the Ospreys) to realising the pressure of this game.“
“They had an exceptional performance in the win over Munster and that didn’t help our week. You go from processing the disappointment of losing at Bridgend (against the Ospreys) to realising the pressure of this game. They are traditionally one of the weaker teams, but I don’t think that will be the case this year.”
As the Stormers set their sights on achieving their season’s first victory, there is a palpable sense of urgency within the squad. Will they overcome Zebre’s tenacious spirit and carve out a vital win tonight? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—the stakes couldn’t be higher for both teams in this crucial early-season contest.
Stormers: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Dan du Plessis (captain), 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Jurie Matthee, 9 Paul de Wet, 8 Keke Morabe, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Marcel Theunissen, 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 JD Schickerling, 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Sti Sithole. Replacements: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Adre Smith, 20 Louw Nel, 21 Dewaldt Duvenage, 22 Warrick Gelant, 23 Angelo Davids.