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The Stormers 'circus act' that could upstage Ulster

Going up against World Cup-winning Springbok Duane Vermeulen will fill most players with trepidation.

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However, the Stormers believe they have a trio of aces up their collective sleeves that can match the best in the game.

Vermeulen, Man of the Match in the Springboks’ 32-12 win over England in Yokohama in November 2019, headlines an Ulster team that arrived in Cape Town this week ahead of their United Rugby Championship[ semifinal showdown with the Stormers.

Rito Hlungwani, Stormers forwards coach, spoke of the need for getting the ‘balance’ right in terms of the skill set of the back row, to keep the opposition guessing.

“We are excited about the different skills they have,” Hlungwani said, adding that it is something they will “strive to maximize”.

“You never want to put them in a box, but rather be the best versions of themselves,” he said of the loose trio of Evan Roos, Hacjivah Dayimani and Deon Fourie.

“It is something that is unique for us and we encourage them to be themselves.”

(Continue below …)

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Dayimani, whose form had a massive upwards curve since his arrival in Cape Town, admitted the move ‘back home’ was a major contributing factor in his personal resurgence.

Speaking about the impressive Ulster back row – which featured World Cup-winning Springbok Duane Vermeulen, to go with Marcus Rea and Nick Timoney – he said their focus has been ‘internally’, rather than on the opposition.

“Just like we have to ‘stop’ them, they have to stop us,” the 24-year-old loose forward said.

“Duane [Vermeulen] I know very well. I have played against him when he was at the Bulls.

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“He is a very good player, but we back our skills against theirs.

“My circus act, Evan’s circus act and Deon’s circus act is enough to go against anyone in the competition – especially if you do it right.

“There are some off days, but we always strive for the good days.

“We are just going to keep on doing what we do.”

He said that while there is some familiarity, knowing Vermeulen very well, he is going up against guys who don’t know his skill set.

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“There is always that ‘hype’, about what surprises you are going to bring out your box of tricks.

“I am looking forward to go against those other guys [Ulster loose forwards] and see who comes out on top.”

He admitted their previous meeting – a fortuitous 23-20 win for the Stormers back in March was a tough challenge.

“They come with size,” he said of the Ulster forwards.

“It’s going to be a good battle when these two sides meet.”

Dayimani was also full of praise for his teammates to have made the transfer from Johannesburg to Cape Town a smooth move.

“I play with freedom,” he said.

“I am the type of player that doesn’t like to be put in a box and the coaches give me that freedom.

“Guys like Manie Libbok, Leolin Zas and Warrick Gelant have really helped me with my rugby.

“They back me out wide and let me take charge when I have the ball.

“The coaches also back me and allow me to do my thing. If there is a mistake, we’ll fix it.”

@king365ed
@rugby365com

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