Forward power the key as Stormers take aim at Munster in top-of-the-table URC clash

The Stormers will need to lean heavily on their tried-and-trusted forward dominance when they face Munster in a highly anticipated United Rugby Championship (URC) clash this weekend.

With both sides unbeaten so far in the competition, the meeting at Thomond Park on Saturday promises to be one of the defining fixtures of the early season.

For the Cape side, the message is clear: follow the blueprint that has driven their success in the URC this season and mirror the forwards-driven approach the Springboks used so effectively against Ireland in last weekend’s Test match.

The Bok pack strangled the Irish through set-piece dominance, physicality at the breakdown and pressure in defence — elements the Stormers can replicate.

Their scrum has been one of the most dominant platforms in the competition, consistently getting penalties and momentum. Add to that their rolling maul, which has become a reliable weapon even against top opposition, and the Stormers’ most straightforward route to victory lies in a bruising performance up front.

This approach becomes even more important with the absence of key backline Springboks stars such as flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, utility back Damian Willemse and scrumhalf Cobus Reinach.

While their playmaking and counter-attacking will be missed, the Stormers have built sufficient continuity, even during the month-long international break, to maintain cohesion. Their physical pack, experienced lock combinations, and aggressive loose forwards have carried them through the opening stages of the season, including excellent early results away from home.

According to Dawie Snyman, Stormers assistant coach, they won’t digress from what has yielded results.

“We know what has worked for us previously on tour, and it would be silly for us to move away from that,” he said.

“Yes, the good start does help, but it is still a long season. We used the last three weeks of training to improve elements of our game. The framework will stay the same, but as I said, we know what has been working.

“However, we might also have to adjust because it could be windy at Thomond Park. But hopefully those elements we worked on can come through, but the basis (of their game) will stay the same.”

Munster is notoriously difficult to break down in Limerick, especially in the cold and often wet Irish conditions. Thomond Park also rewards tactical play over hot-potato rugby, mostly, and the Stormers will need to play the percentages well.

Flyhalf Jurie Matthee, who will be trusted with the No 10 jersey, is central to this strategy. If he gets front-foot ball from the pack, Matthee can keep Munster under pressure with his tactical kicking.

There will be plenty of time later in the season for the Stormers to sharpen their expansive game. For now, the challenge is simple: embrace the physical contest, power on with the tight forwards, and stay true to the bruising identity that has shaped their season so far.

If they do that, the unbeaten run may well continue, and they could bag a first-ever victory at Thomond Park.