Stormers flyhalf Jurie Matthee embraces Munster test in Limerick

Stormers flyhalf Jurie Matthee says his side are embracing both the challenge and the opportunity that awaits them when they face Munster in a highly anticipated United Rugby Championship clash in Limerick this weekend.

With several key Springboks unavailable, including Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cobus Reinach and Damian Willemse, the Stormers have been forced to experiment with new combinations in their backline. Matthee, however, is confident that the squad’s versatility will allow them to adjust seamlessly.

“We have a couple of guys who can slot in anywhere. The connection is there,” he said. “Hopefully we can play in the right areas and find each other on the field as well. It went well on the training pitch.”

The Stormers’ unbeaten start to the competition has been one of the early talking points of the season, but their trip to Ireland represents their sternest test yet. Munster are notoriously difficult to beat at Thomond Park, particularly in the wet, wintry conditions expected on Saturday.

“Playing Munster, it’s almost going to be like a Test match, playing in wet conditions,” he said. “I’m looking forward to that challenge. It’s just about getting the momentum right and playing on the right side of the pitch.

“Playing against those players and measuring yourself against the best is great. But whatever they bring, we will be looking to execute our game plan.

“The bigger the stage, the better the opportunity. It’s Munster and we are up for the challenge.”

Following last season’s away struggles in Europe, the Stormers started this campaign with three dominant away wins on the road. Matthee believes the squad’s mindset shift towards touring has played a major role in their strong start.

“As a group, we kind of prepare ourselves to be ready for anything,” he said. “We set ourselves the goal of touring well after our previous tour and it’s quite satisfying to have gotten the results.

“But in saying that, I think at Thomond Park we’re ready for all the conditions and we’ll react to what they bring.”

Matthee has grabbed his opportunities in the Stormers’ No 10 jersey in the absence of Feinberg-Mngomezulu and the departure of Manie Libbok to Japan.

He has looked solid as a pivot, and has sprinkled in the odd bit of magic with a few great individual tries when breaking the line.

Matthee reserved special praise for Feinberg-Mngomezulu, whose outstanding form has made him one of the best players in the world over the last two years..

“He’s been playing amazing and he’s having a great run,” Matthee said. “He’s obviously inspiring and playing good rugby, but that doesn’t influence the way I see things on the field.”