No excuses for Stormers as they look to end URC losing streak in Glasgow in quarter-finals

The Stormers will have no excuses to put their best foot forward on Friday evening in Scotland, where they will look to thwart the Glasgow Warriors in the quarter-finals of the United Rugby Championship (URC).

They travelled in the comfort of business class to the Scottish port city, they will have a full week of training and despite the disruption of the suspended Damian Willemse in the midfield, they should have a full complement of players available to put up a fight at the Scotstoun Stadium.

It’s a repeat of last year’s quarters where the Cape side flew to Glasgow but came unstuck in the dying minutes of the match, after conceding two tries, for a 27-10 loss. They are on a four-match losing streak against their hosts, who are unbeaten at home, and it’s something they must break to reach the semi-finals of the tournament.

With the early travel and flying in more comfort than during the regular season, the Stormers have managed to ensure they are physically fresh for the challenge. Now, it’s all about the mental side of things and how they approach the obstacle the defending champions pose.

“We do not feel rushed like last time,” Stormers forwards coach Rito Hlungwani said.

“We feel like we have enough time (thanks to their early arrival) to prepare for the game.

"Obviously, flying business class is nice and comfortable, so the players are not nearly as tired when you get to your destination. This gives us a full training week like at home and that makes a massive difference.”

Apart from the absence of Willemse, the only other injury concern is hooker JJ Kotze, who was injured during a warm-up ahead of a league game earlier in the season. So, the visitors will still field a strong team as they bid for a place in the final four.

According to Hlungwani, they will continue to implement their Stormers template of running for the quarters while looking to improve it. They will also prepare well for what Glasgow will throw at them on Friday.

He added that it’s unfortunate to lose Willemse, but they will plan around it.

“Like I always say, when there is an injury or suspension, it’s a nice opportunity for the next person to put their hand up and take their chance. We are quite fortunate to have guys who can cover 15 and 12.

“Warrick (Gelant) can cover fullback, Sacha (Feinberg-Mngomezulu) has played at 12 for us several times, and he is comfortable there. He can act as an additional playmaker.

"Dan du Plessis also covers 12. As much as we are not happy with losing Damian, we feel we have enough cover.

“Glasgow are a well-balanced side. They compete in the scrums, and they are strong there. Glasgow possesses one of the best mauls in the competition.

"They also have strike runners at the back who run hard at you, so they are really balanced. Going into the game, we must ensure all our aspects are in top shape and we’ve been working on that,” he concluded.