Champions Cup audition for Stormers fringe players against Harlequins

While the Stormers toured without their usual star-studded cast for their third Champions Cup pool clash in London, the Twickenham Stoop provides the perfect stage to highlight the depth that underpins their current success.

Against Harlequins on Sunday (3pm kick-off), the focus will fall on the pack of forwards, where the Cape side have worked tirelessly to ensure that their second string can hit with the same physical intent as their incumbent players.

With several regular starters left behind in Cape Town to prepare for next weekend’s decisive clash against Leicester Tigers, the Stormers are clearly playing a longer game.

That match could determine whether they earn a home playoff and finish in a more favourable log position. But before that, the touring group has an opportunity to prove that they really boast two teams capable of competing in both the Champions Cup and the United Rugby Championship.

Now on a 10-match unbeaten run across the start of both competitions, the Stormers arrive in London with momentum but also a little bit of perspective. Protecting the winning streak will be crucial, yet building confidence and cohesion among the wider squad may matter even more.

The front row is set for changes, with tighthead and loosehead both likely to be reshuffled.

The injury-enforced withdrawal of Ali Vermaak from the tournament has opened the door for the likes of Oli Kebble and Vernon Matongo, all eager to step into starting roles. At hooker, this could be a valuable learning curve for youngster Lukhanyo Vokozela, who could be tested by the tempo and physicality of English winter rugby should he get a run. At tighthead, Sazi Sandi and Zachary Porthen could get another chance to establish themselves in the absence of Neethling Fouché.

In the backrow, the minutes managed for Springbok eighthman Evan Roos and fetcher Paul de Villiers could allow other loose forwards to stake their claim. In cold, unfamiliar conditions, adaptability will be key, and the Stormers’ pack will need to embrace the grind. They will miss the influence of Ruan Ackermann, who, like Vermaak, had to be withdrawn from the tournament after sustaining a neck injury.

Expect the scrum battle to be central.

The Stoop in winter is no place for loose rugby, and the conditions are likely to favour a tight duel. Lineouts, rolling mauls, territory and a clever kicking game should take precedence over expansive running, with the backs relying on their forwards to deliver clean ball and stability.

Crucially, the Stormers’ training environment throughout the week should prepare them for this. Pushing each other daily and making life difficult for the regular starters has hardened the wider squad.

Against Harlequins, it may not be pretty, but a physical and fighting performance — even an ugly win — would send another clear message: the Stormers’ depth is real, and so too their ambitions in the Champions Cup.

Jason Gilmore, Harlequins senior coach, said this week they expect a fairly tougher Stormers side, even if they are resting players, from the one they faced last season.

“Even if they rest a couple of boys, they have the depth to still put out a good team,” he said.

“They haven’t lost a game this year (season), so they won’t have that record of a squad that doesn’t have depth. We are third in our pool in Europe and put ourselves in a good position. We are excited to be back at home facing the Stormers. They are travelling well this season.”

Utility backs Mfundo Ndhlovu and Luke Burger, and Junior Springbok loose forward Wandile Mlaba and former England U20 lock Alex Groves were added to the Stormers’ Champions Cup squad in place of Dan du Plessis, Corné Weilbach, Vermaak and Ackermann.