Frans Malherbe to play his 150th cap for the Stormers. BackpagePix
The Stormers are under no illusions that they'll have to graft very hard against a desperate Lions this afternoon to maintain their unbeaten United Rugby Championship (URC) streak in Johannesburg.
Since the start of the competition, the Cape side has always had the number of the home side when it comes to duels in the City of Gold.
But after losing to the Bulls in Cape Town for the first time last weekend, the visitors know Ellis Park (2.30 pm start) will be a tricky affair today.
“We are going to have to work very hard for it.”
“We are going to have to work very hard for it,” director of rugby John Dobson said ahead of the clash.
His side currently occupies 10th place on the URC log with the Lions hot on their heels in 13th.
The Johannesburg side has two games in hand, though, and can leapfrog the inaugural champions with a win. They also have to keep the Stormers scoreless.
According to Dobson, who made four changes to the side that lost to the Bulls, they realise just how important the clash is looking at their log position.
Five points this afternoon will push them into a playoff spot.
“We need to start moving up (the log). We are confident in our plans.”
“We need to start moving up (the log). We are confident in our plans. The Lions are always desperate and a team that never goes away. Our transference from the Bulls' disappointment to this week's plan was excellent.
“At training on Wednesday, the team already knew the plans. So, we are comfortable with where we are.”
The scrums especially struggled against the Bulls with frontline props Ali Vermaak and Neethling Fouche out injured.
They will both return today, with Vermaak straight into the starting lineup and Fouche providing an impact off the bench.
Veteran tighthead Frans Malherbe will play in his 150th match for the Stormers and Dobson praised the double World Cup winner for the achievement and what he brings to the side.
“If you think about an ultimate Stormers player, he would be arguably one of the greatest.”
“If you think about an ultimate Stormers player, he would be arguably one of the greatest. There are only two players who've reached 150, Brok (Harris) and him. Probably more about Frans is his numbers. He has that old-school nature of being a one-club man. He is a special human being, most humble and arguably the world's best tighthead prop.”
Dobson added that the support they received last week was massive, despite the loss. They aim to reward their supporters with a win today to start their charge to the playoffs.
The one and only Frans Malherbe reaches 150 DHL Stormers caps this weekend. One of the greatest to ever wear our jersey.
— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) February 14, 2025
Read about his remarkable journey https://t.co/96jAPkMxTm#iamastormer #franna pic.twitter.com/IqlriUL4po
Another loss, though, could be detrimental to their ambitions, and while a trip to Loftus Versfeld is on the cards after this clash, things won't get easier on the field.
They went for a 6-2 replacement bench split and will look to defuse the Lions' attacking game with fresh forwards in the second half.
“We expect a shoot-out with them. And the forwards' legs go first, hence our selection.
“The Lions are also the team with the most jackal attempts in the competition. We spoke about the stealing threat at the breakdown with JC Pretorius.
“He is difficult to move. So, we must avoid being isolated (on the attack) and work off and towards the ball. They isolate you and then steal (your) possession.”
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